A ski center seamlessly connecting two valleys as an ecological corridor, thoughtfully designed to enhance wildlife movement and preserve the natural landscape.
HAJLA&STEDIM SKI CENTER
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Information
HAJLA&STEDIM SKI CENTER
Come together, right now over me.
I stand on this bridge, surrounded by the quiet of the snow. Below me, the river flows, whispering its timeless song. This structure, rising from the stone, feels like a quiet harmony with nature. There’s a calmness that comes from the simplicity of this place.
The trees stand like silent guardians on either side of the bridge. Light spills from the building, softening the cold white of winter. Skiers leave temporary marks on the snow, but these mountains, the river, quiet nature and this stone bridge remain timeless.
Here, human design and nature coexist, not in opposition but in harmony.
Simple, calm, yet like the river below, it flows deeply.
Client
Hajla&Stedim Municipality
Location
Hajla, Montenegro
Size
2.500 sqm
Program
Ski Center, Hospitality
Status
International Competition
Collaborators
Sacit Arda KARAATLI
Lebriz ATAN KARAATLI
Ömer AKMAN
Berçem DEMİRTAŞ
Sinem VATANSEVER
İlayda Eda AYDOĞAN
Connecting Two Valleys
The design of the ski center wasn’t the main challenge; the real focus was on how to connect the ski center with the departure station. The project site is located where two valleys merge and form a riverbed. So, linking the two areas at the 1738 level, while deciding how to coexist with this untouched nature, was the toughest part.
We started by designing a stone bridge, just as it has been done for centuries, to connect the two different zone. A bridge that links the two sides, not only for people but for all living beings. We planned for this bridge to be built with local stones, using traditional methods and by local craftsmen.
We also opened up the middle of this solid bridge. We created a courtyard that doesn’t cast too much shade and allows life at the river level to be experienced from the 1738 level. Since it’s surrounded by nature instead of buildings, we called it the “river courtyard.”
On either side of this stone bridge, we suspended two buildings. The combination of heavy and light, old and new. These two buildings are positioned to align with the natural flow of human movement. As visitors walk from their parked cars towards the departure station, they can naturally use these buildings. The placement is so well thought out that visitors don’t need to stray from their path, enter enclosed spaces, or waste time. Along this natural flow, they can buy their tickets, rent their skis, enjoy the café-bar at the restaurant, or simply sit in the central area and soak in the festive atmosphere. Since the buildings are aligned with the departure station, the cable cars are visible at all times, creating an attraction point.
The project is divided into two parts. The skiers’ zone and the hospitality facilities are located at opposite ends of the bridge. This design allows the area to be used year-round. Even when the ski season ends and the skiers’ zone is closed, the restaurant building continues to operate 365 days a year. During the beautiful season when the snow starts to melt, and life begins to awaken again in Hajla and Stedim, visitors can fully immerse themselves in nature.
IT IS ALMOST LIKE A FAIRYTALE LAND, SO IT WAS CRUCIAL TO BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL.
