Must see: Tilted cube concept for mountainside lodge in Slovakia

High in the mountains of Slovakia, travelers would never expect to see a massive, tilted cube poking out of the snow. For an international competition to design a a lodge in this location, atelier 8000 proposed just such a resort concept of a cube tilted onto one of its corners.

It is meant to be sustainable and accessible all year round. In terms of energy usage, it would be completely independent, according to Design Boom.

The tilted-cube form was designed to visually disorient the viewer and create visual lightness in the harsh landscape. In a sense, the concept was intended to evoke a boulder resting on the mountainside. 

The cube's facade would be made of separate square panels of reflective materials, mainly aluminum with some glass and photovoltaics mixed in. No matter where the viewer stands, three of the resort's faces would be visible. In the design, an elevated patio wraps around the outside of the cube to provide an outdoor space in mild temperatures. 

Structurally, the building would be made of glue-laminated timber beams of red spruce, and the interiors would feature wood finishes and furnishings. 

The Kežmarská Chata competition has ended, and all the submitted designs can be viewed here.