Vienna-based architectural office Steiner Architecture f/f has designed a portable outdoor living room in the icy mountains of Austria. Forty-five years after the last ice race in Zell am See, two young motor enthusiasts decided to bring the tournament back to life. Hence, on the occasion of the thrilling revival, the architects were invited to realize a pavilion that offers racers a spot to unwind during the GP Ice Race.
Setting against the icy backdrop, the project takes shape as a picturesque pop-up living room, straight out of a cult movie. The portable pit stop pavilion invites drivers to relax and take a break while it adds a humoristic touch to the otherwise white context. Vintage furniture, Persian rugs, a Pan Am carpet, and a model British Airways Concord complete the collage-like show topped by an inverted gable roof. photo by Amy Shore, 2022
According to the architects, the revenant GP ICE RACE invites a motley crew of sportscars in this stunning region of Austria, eager to compete in the slippery race. There’s a Red Bull Formula One, a pre-war Bugatti, a beach buggy with a Porsche engine, a Santa Claus driving a Formula V, and even one of Erwin Wurm’s sculptures on wheels.
‘Parked on fine carpets, the car is a declaration that whatever is good for the automobile is good for the driver. They partake in the fun on an equal footing.’
As for the construction, the design team opted for timber to fulfill the project’s requirements. With this material, it was possible to haul and hoist the columns, base, back wall, and roof into position, as well as to disassemble the structure at the end of the tournament. Furthermore, lacquer paint gave the columns their crimson gloss that insinuates the finish of cars. The bold color is reflected on the inverted gable roof, which is having its own conversation with the winter landscape. On radiant days it has the blinding effect of freshly fallen snow, while on cloudy ones, it might vanish against the frosted background.
name: Pavilion for GP Ice Race designer: Steiner Architecture f/f
location: Zell am See client: Greger Porsche year: 2022
designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. See more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: christina petridou | designboom
a diverse digital database that acts as a valuable guide in gaining insight and information about a product directly from the manufacturer, and serves as a rich reference point in developing a project or scheme.