Mechanical supplies and packaging lines since 1963.

Alpine architecture

Sustainable alpine architecture: designing and building a modern bivouac

The challenge

The mountains are changing. Glaciers are retreating, permafrost is melting and many traditional alpine structures designed with outdated logic are in danger of collapsing. On the occasion of the 101st National Congress of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), an ambitious project was born: to build a new, highly sustainable alpine bivouac, capable of combining respect for the environment, economic efficiency and technological innovation.

The idea, developed by Architect Riccardo Giacomelli, President of the Struttura Operativa Rifugi e Opere Alpine (SOROA) of the CAI, needed to be transformed into a real and functional prototype to be presented to the public in the prestigious setting of the Teatro Italia in Rome.
Thanks to the synergy between the Pontiggia Group and the engineers of Saecon, the Group’s company, the project was engineered and built in just 90 days.

Our solution

The aim was to realise a complete, turnkey alpine architecture project that allowed the company to streamline the production process and create a sustainable bivouac that meets the highest technical standards:

wind resistance of up to 270 km/h;
ability to withstand more than 15 tonnes of snow load;
ultra-light aluminium structure, optimised for heli-transport and installation on any terrain;
footprint and minimal “pollution”: only 6 m² on the ground with no residue upon dismantling.

The Pontiggia Group deployed over 40 construction professionals including engineers and technicians, optimising each phase: design, structural verification, engineering. The exclusive design of the bivouac allows a breathtaking panoramic view thanks to two large glass surfaces, totalling over 7.5 m². A perfect combination of aesthetics, comfort and safety for the mountaineers.
The meticulous engineering allowed CAI to achieve a structure:

Industrialised and replicable
Functional and low environmental impact
Environmentally and economically sustainable

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CONTACT

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Continuous evolution, the capacity to innovate and stay ahead of market demands, as well as a new, unified corporate identity make the Pontiggia Group an Italian and international benchmark of excellence for the industrial world.

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Gruppo Pontiggia Srl
Via G. Leopardi, 9
22060 – Figino Serenza (CO)
P.iva 02451010132

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Monday – Friday: 07:30 – 17:30

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Since 1963, Pontiggia Group has been the ideal partner for the design, manufacture and contract assembly of complete industrial packaging lines, including case packers, labellers, boxing machines and conveyor belts, as well as advanced mechanical solutions. We offer tailor-made, highly customised solutions to best meet our customers’ needs.

Our services include dedicated design, quality after-sales support and specialised maintenance.
We operate throughout Italy, with a consolidated presence in the Como, Lecco, Milan and Monza areas.

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