ARCH. MARIUS MICLAUS

“Take a(l)titude, Fagaras Mountaine, Romania”– Shortlist Mies van der Rohe 2017
For an architect, the challenge is the fuel that subtle keeps him alive…
We had a vague idea about what it meant accepting the challenge to design a shelter at 2,100 m within a restricted budget, especially since we asked to build it ourselves, based on the 10 year experience of workshops with students at Sky Hill workshop platform.
A lighthouse in the Fagaras mountains… at Călțun, in Romania, this was to be the theme of study. Along with all the other sub-themes – the transport by helicopter which became defining for design (more than 4 hours of talks with the pilots mapped the execution technology and project implementation), it was also discussed the execution under extreme conditions, the careful choice of materials for a special space and the induction of an attitude … at a(l)ttitude … Everyone involved was to learn from this extreme experience. Any mistake could lead to failure … so the pressure was high.
Because of the budget, place and time (october) we decide to use the energy of the volunteers for construction, light material (but strong enough) for less hours of flight, all marked with a strong management…A lighthouse in the mountains with a team project who also build the object was our goal. And the team did this….
The simple but more than necessary function in one of the most exposed to accidents areas in Romania’s mountains is organized in first aid room for mountain rescue team (3 places) and space for tourists (19 places). The location was slightly moved from the previous 40 year old shelter, given the lake protection against pollution and functional reasons (the platform becomes helicopter landing area in case of emergency) while also avoiding the continuous wind current of Caltun valley.
The photovoltaic panel gives energy independence for this tourism structure and is placed on the roof, at the base of the tower, which brings in the light spectacle throughout the day. The object itself becomes a signal, a lighthouse . . . for a new attitude.
The chosen material, CLT (Cross Laminated Timber), was suited well from different perspectives – resistant to abundant snow (the reference load was 2 to/m2), light, compared to its structural wind resistance, friendly surface and not to forget the incredible wooden scent. The dynamic shape is designed according to the strong local winds, while the aluminum cover sheet takes its colour and design from the moss covered stones on site.

Marius Miclaus is an architect . Between 1997 and 2010 he taught classes in Theory of Architecture and Design at the Architecture Faculty, Politechnic University, Timișoara. In 2014 he collaborates, as a teacher, at Sapienza University, Rome, in 2017 invited as a critic professor at Anhalt U. -Dessau. Since 1998 he is active in different profesional organizations like The Association of Architects inTimisoara, the Order of Architects from Romania and between 2004 and 2008 he was the vicepresident of The Architects Union in Romania. He coordonates, since 1996, the architecture studio Archaeus, winning architecture and urbanism competitions, both național and international, the works being published in Romania, Germany, Spain, India, Slovakia, Greece etc . Between 2000 and 2005 he coordonates and coorganizes the program „Restoration of architectural surfaces”, financed by Unesco – UVO ROSTE Venice Office, a program dedicated to restoration master students în East of Europe. În 2009 he begins his doctoral studies în Bucharest than in Timisoara. From 2010 he is the president of Archaeus Foundation, with internațional programs among wich – ALP (alternative learning program), Sky Hill Projekt, Peripatetica and Borangic. In 2014 he graduates the Master in Yacht Design from Politecnico University, Milan with scholarship.
www.studioarchaeus.ro
www.studioarchaeus.ro/fundatia

1999- Mac Constantinescu Prize for architects under 40
1999- Arhitext Design Award – Planting Topală Notarial Office
2000- Nomination Architecture Biennale BAB – Terrace Zanoni
National Contest Prize of architecture and contracting work – Rehabilitation Bastion Theresia Timisoara, work with Phare 2005 – 2007
2003- 1st Prize and three National Competition – Youth Housing, Timişoara
Prize International Contest of Architecture and contracting work – Expand Clinical Nephrology Carol Davilla Bucharest work in progress
2006- Nomination International Competition – Market Redevelopment Amzei Bucharest
2007- Prize for the best home – Annual Architecture in Timisoara
2009- Prize for architecture – Carol Davila Hospital – Annual Architecture in Timisoara
2009- Award for restoration – Urban Culture Center DEALU CERULUI – Annual Architecture in Timisoara –
2010- Nomination house – Casa MK Rius – Annual Architecture in Timisoara