02 LA BARCA THE AWARD WINNING UPSIDE DOWN BOAT CHAPEL

LA BARCA: THE AWARD-WINNING UPSIDE-DOWN BOAT CHAPEL

"La Barca" (The Boat) is a timber pavilion and winning installation of the 2025 Festival di Microarchitettura. Situated along a mountain trail in Piobbico, this structure resembles an overturned vessel, inviting hikers to pause and reflect within its hull-like interior.

It includes a dual-purpose design that functions as a contemplative chapel, a sculptural shelter, and a play space. Unique features include a narrow fissure that bisects the structure, allowing visitors to squeeze inside to view curved timber ribs and a central keel illuminated by an open roof. Built with traditional joinery and local lumber, the pavilion uses sandwich-structure ribs for lightweight durability against mountain elements. Ballasted by local stones, the installation anchors itself into the landscape, creating a deliberate tension between nautical and alpine environments.

La Barca transforms a standard hiking path into a destination for architectural discovery, bridging the gap between sacred space and environmental art.