An Immersive Experience at 2,173 Meters
Nestled at 2,173 meters at the Pavillon intermediate station of the Skyway Monte Bianco cableway, Tana delle Marmotte offers an unparalleled educational experience with its unique underground attraction. Designed by Officina 82, this innovative installation in Aosta Valley, Italy, invites children and teenagers into the world of Alpine marmots through a playfully immersive design.
Marmot Den Installation: Modular Design Emulates Marmot Burrows
The structure comprises three prefabricated corten steel conduits, forming an 8-meter central tube with two access pipes of 2,200 mm and 1,300 mm diameters. Positioned to respect the delicate mountain ecosystem, the setup sits atop a fine gravel bed, supporting easy reversibility and environmental integration without permanent foundations.
For more innovative uses of biophilic design, explore the RTA Studio’s Timber Masterpiece which merges nature with sustainable architecture.
Seamless Construction and Intuitive Design
Constructed with precision, the corten steel elements were manufactured off-site and dry-assembled on location, minimizing both construction time and environmental disruption. Inside, the walls are lined with 40 mm thick spruce plywood ribs. These carefully contoured ribs create a continuous environment reminiscent of marmot hibernation tunnels, showcasing exemplary subterranean architecture.
Functional and Educational Interior
The internal design integrates seating, display cases, and graphics mounts, culminating in a carved staircase leading to an acrylic porthole. Here, visitors can gaze out over the picturesque landscape. LED strips light the path, enhancing the educational journey through the space, which reflects the thoughtful principles of the design.
Project Team and Collaborations
The Tana delle Marmotte project was brought to life by Officina82, with lead designers Fabio Revetria and Lara Sappa. Collaborators included Arianna Garelli, Lucrezia Nari, Simone Bianchi, and structural design by IngeMBP—Corrado Curti. The geological work was managed by Paolo Zamparutti, and interior design by Studio Arredi. The project was coordinated by Giulia Sarno and supported by Skyway Monte Bianco.
The transformation of spaces can also be seen in Ross Stevens’ Futuristic Bathing Sanctuary that uses industrial scraps to craft serene environments.
Photography credits go to Giulia Sarno. The project exemplifies how architecture can craft educational experiences that are both environmentally considerate and creatively inspiring, grounded in thoughtful design principles.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Tana delle Marmotte?
Tana delle Marmotte is an educational installation located at 2,173 meters at the Pavillon intermediate station of the Skyway Monte Bianco cableway. It offers an immersive experience into the world of Alpine marmots, designed to be both educational and playful for children and teenagers.
How is the marmot den installation designed?
The marmot den installation consists of three prefabricated corten steel conduits forming an 8-meter central tube with two access pipes. It is designed to emulate marmot burrows and is constructed to respect the delicate mountain ecosystem using a modular and environmentally reversible approach.
Who were the key contributors to the project?
The Tana delle Marmotte project was designed by Officina82, with lead designers Fabio Revetria and Lara Sappa, among others. Collaborators included structural design by IngeMBP—Corrado Curti, geological work by Paolo Zamparutti, and interior design by Studio Arredi.
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