In the picturesque Marche region of Italy, a unique timber tower named “What the Stones Whisper” rises to reinterpret the region’s stone architecture. Situated in Lunano, the six-meter-tall installation draws inspiration from the nearby Torre Lunano and other historic stone edifices scattered across the landscape. This striking structure, known as the installation, was designed and erected by Collectif MAGMA in just two weeks for the Fe.M – Festival di Microarchitettura.
Using 50 × 60 mm pine battens, the construction is crafted from eight triangulated timber frames. These are meticulously connected and braced to form a repeating structural system. Adding to its uniqueness, ten layers of timber shingles hang from jute ropes, creating a discontinuous envelope that sways with the wind, casting dynamic patterns of light and shadow while allowing air and sound to flow through.
For another innovative timber structure, explore how Pearce+ constructs its tower from reclaimed materials to create a diverse wildlife habitat.
Movable Timber Tower Lunano Envelope Frames the Landscape and Sky
The design features two narrow doors that provide framed views of the undulating hills, leading into the spacious interior of the tower. Inside the structure, the successive frames direct the viewer’s sight upwards to the sky, as the shifting shingles alter the acoustic and visual environment. The foundation of the tower is a shallow timber construction, discreetly positioned below ground level.
This project, realized by a small group of amateur builders, involved fabricating the timber frames and shingle modules in an open-air workshop before on-site assembly. Employing repetition and lightweight construction, Collectif MAGMA’s design practice breathes new life into the notion of permanence found in the region’s traditional stone architecture, creating a temporary yet impactful wooden landmark.
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What material is the timber tower made from?
The timber tower is crafted from 50 × 60 mm pine battens, forming part of a repeating structural system with eight triangulated timber frames.
How was the timber tower constructed?
The timber tower was designed and erected by Collectif MAGMA in just two weeks. The timber frames and shingle modules were fabricated in an open-air workshop before being assembled on-site.
What is the purpose of the timber shingles on the tower?
The ten layers of timber shingles hang from jute ropes, creating a dynamic and discontinuous envelope that sways with the wind. This design casts patterns of light and shadow, allowing air and sound to flow through.