Essential, functional, reliable: CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati adds “sustainable” and “camouflaged” to these adjectives that typically describe mountain shelters, thus heralding a new model of alpine refuge completely self-sufficient and integrated into the landscape.

The small structure, designed in collaboration with Salone del Mobile Milano 2026, will make its debut during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and is initially conceived as an urban pavilion that will then be transferred to high altitude at the end of the event.

Particular attention to reducing the “footprint” – both ecological and figurative – guides the project. The structure, built using digital technologies, easily assembleable and dismountable modular components, and durable, high-performance materials even in extreme climatic conditions (cross-laminated timber, aerogel and metal), is completely self-sufficient thanks to photovoltaic panels providing electricity and connectivity and to a system for condensing air humidity to produce drinking water.

In contrast to the tradition of brightly coloured alpine refuges, the building is designed to literally blend into its surroundings thanks to its 3D-printed rock crystal-inspired configuration and to the neutral tones of its exterior: its disappearance is only “cheated” by a red light which, in case of low visibility, signals the discreet but precious presence of the refuge to excursionists.

All photos: Design: CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati. A collaboration with Salone del Mobile.Milano