This initiative involves the realization, on the occasion of the XXIII UIA World Congress Torino 2008, of an experimental prototype in wood, originally designed by the architect Carlo Mollino for the X Triennial Exhibition in Milan (1954).
Casa Capriata 2008, which is part of an initiative aimed at the enhancement of the Weissmatten ski complex, plans to install the edifice along the WalserWeg (The Great Waltz Way), where it will serve as an alpine shelter.
The structure, designed for the X Triennial Exhibition of Milan, in 1954, but never built because of disagreements between the sponsors, is aerial architecture, raised from the ground level - a modern translation of the Waltzer architecture of the Upper Gressoney Valley, analyzed by Carlo Mollino in 1929 - and resulting from a research and design process developed around the conception of an alpine residence.

The initiative reproposes the experimental nature of the original design, which, as part of the Vetroflex Domus Contest (1951) and of the X Triennial Exhibition of Milan (1954), constituted a sort of manifesto of experimentation in materials and ingenious and sophisticated construction techniques which also drew on time-honored local traditions.

The shelter is thermally and acoustically insulated through the use of experimental "intelligent" membranes designed by Saint Gobain Isover Italia. The building, certified by the Bolzano-based Agenzia CasaClima, is part of the European-level Multi-Comfort house project by Saint Gobain Isover Italia, which has already realized two other energy-efficient buildings in Sweden and Austria, with Casa Capriata representing the first Italian case study. The project, with the wood structure and components realized by the Denaldi Legnami lumber company, will benefit from the participation of several sponsors, among them some of the companies that had sponsored the original project for the X Triennial Exhibition of Milan, in 1954.

Promoted by:
Politecnico di Torino - Dipartimento di Progettazione Architettonica e di Disegno industriale (DIPRADI), Ordine degli Architetti, Pianificatori, Paesaggisti e Conservatori della Provincia di Torino (OAT).

Partners:
Regione autonoma Valle d'Aosta, Comune di Gressoney Saint Jean (AO), Ordine degli Architetti, Pianificatori, Paesaggisti e Conservatori della R.A. Valle d'Aosta, Federazione degli Ordini del Piemonte e della R.A. Valle d'Aosta, Triennale di Milano, Agenzia Casaclima, Artigo Rubber Flooring, Bertolotto Porte, Biesse, Denaldi Legnami, Hoval,Saint Gobain Isover Italia, Sagit, Unimetal, Uni-Solar, Zanotta.

Project timetable:
October 2007, groundbreaking ceremony at Casa Capriata. Realization of the building's foundations and structural supports.
Spring 2008, work site opening and construction.
Summer 2008, inauguration of the shelter as part of the XXIII UIA World Congress Torino 2008