In order to replace the mountain shelters in Bulgaria that had seen better days, a design studio reinvented them with a combined focus on technology, materiality, and sustainability. Using four aluminium modules, the team constructed the Smart Mountain Shelters. The great thing is that the pieces are readied at another location and can easily be transported using a helicopter to quiet and removed locales where they are assembled.
When they are not being used, the structures enter into what is known as ‘Relax’ mode, which means they almost disappear into the landscape. If there is a bout of bad weather, the shelters shift gears into ‘Find Me’ mode, with alarms and flashing lights being set off to attract the attention of hikers and climbers passing by. ‘Rescue Me’ mode is the final setting – when someone enters the shelter, they are connected instantly to rescue teams using direct video link-up while the wind and solar energy-powered heated flooring kicks into action.
The rescue shelters also feature a number of hammocks for relaxing and resting while visitors await help.
Images courtesy of Lusio Architects
