A New
European
Bauhaus iniciative
- “Stüa is a nomadic collective that brings people together to activate spaces through building modular, transportable structures, centered around a communal oven. Our work invites communities to join a hands-on, co-creative process, using diverse construction techniques to shape shared spaces.
We see the act of making bread—mixing water and flour into a living dough—as a metaphor for imagining and shaping our collective future. As we knead, we reflect on what we want our communities to be, and how we can break down rigid structures to create more inclusive, caring environments for everyone.
Our work builds a network of connection between individuals, communities, and nature—like a mycelial web of shared stories and desires. Together, we create an evolving map of possibilities for the future.
Project Status
STÜA PROTOTYPE-01
STÜA PROTOTYPE-02
STÜA —
Earth, Design and Fire
Awarded project, New European Bauhaus, program Grow-Ignite 2024.
We bringing communities together through sustainable architecture while activating spaces by building modular multi-usage ovens through a co-creative building process.
VisionTo create communal spaces that connect communities and promote collaboration through shared activities centred around modular, multi-use structures.
MissionWe design and construct modular, eco-friendly structures with gathering spaces and central ovens to promote social cohesion through collaborative activities. Our urban furniture bridges communities and makes public areas more vibrant and inclusive.
ValuesCommunity and collaboration are central beliefs for us. Our structures promote social cohesion by facilitating communal activities where people unite across boundaries to cook, create, and converse. This fosters stronger bonds within diverse groups.
STÜA Oven-01
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Bringing communities together through sustainable architecture, STÜA develops cutting-edge modular structures to re-imagine contemporary public spaces.
Built using ancient rammed earth techniques under an expert-led collaborative process, these distinctive cultural landmarks spark social cohesion through accessible, engaging multi-use social infrastructure. At the heart of STUA’s communal hubs sits our signature oven modules, meticulously constructed from rammed earth using traditional techniques for contemporary community spaces.
STUA’s oven modules speak to our mission of honoring age-old cultural traditions of shared spaces anchored around fire and food. Beyond functionality, the very process of collective ramming earth connects communities while creating communal hubs.
The wood-fired ovens pay homage to gathering spaces of the past, designed specifically for baking, cooking, and coming together. Radiating gentle warmth, these modern hearths have space for community meals, workshops, and celebrations.
STUA’s oven modules speak to our mission of honoring age-old cultural traditions of shared spaces anchored around fire and food. Beyond functionality, the very process of collective ramming earth connects communities while creating communal hubs.
Our sustainable oven modules crafted of natural materials stand testament to our commitment to accessibility, collaboration, and unity across societies and generations. Ready for gatherings large or small, these gathering hearths tend to the basic human need for belonging.
Scale model simulating a multi-module installation in the public space
Why Rammed Earth?
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Rammed earth is an eco-friendly building material, sourced from natural, abundant materials like earth, gravel, and clay. Its production involves minimal environmental impact, and materials used are often readily available locally, reducing transportation-related emissions.
STÜA’s rammed earth oven construction offer a multitude of benefits, the inherent thermal mass of rammed earth allows for excellent heat retention and even distribution, creating an optimal cooking environment. This ensures energy efficiency and consistent cooking experience.
Sustainability through eco-friendly materials and local resourcing, energy efficiency with natural insulation, and cost-effectiveness due to low maintenance and material expenses. The natural texture and earthy tones of rammed earth provide a visually pleasing and rustic appearance.
Formwork mock-up shown during the Ignite NEB Event, November 2023
Who we are?
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STÜA is a collective of four designers and artists driven by a shared mission to catalyze collective transformation through sustainable design.
Rooted in a passion for innovation and sustainability, we bring our diverse artistic perspectives together to create something truly extraordinary. At the heart of our endeavors is the development of a rammed earth oven, a culinary masterpiece that not only reflects our commitment to timeless design but also serves as a catalyst for positive change.
With a focus on community, culture, and the transformative power of thoughtful design, STÜA is poised to redefine the intersection of art, sustainability, and culinary excellence.
Tobias Tavella
IT/ 1989Tobias Tavella is a Italian interdisciplinary artist with a background in Industrial Design.
He places the concept of intersubjective reality, which holds significance within the
community, at the core of his artistic exploration. His work delves into a comprehensive
examination of reality and the interplay with space. Tavella's fascination with space is
twofold: he delves into the philosophical aspects of space, involving concepts of boundaries
and expansiveness. He explores the practical spatial requirements for art creation, including
studios, exhibitions and cultural gatherings.
Luana Carp
RO/
1998Luana Carp is romanian a interdisciplinary artist, with a background in graphic and communication design.
Her research and artistic practice focuses creating spaces that function as catalysts for sociological, geopolitical, intimate, and collective changes and experiences.
Ignacio Merino
ES/ 1989Ignacio is multidisciplinary designer born in Spain.
He concerns about the complexity of modern constructions, understanding and reinterpreting the interaction of our complex surrounding is the current goal of his work.
He worked as Design-Researcher at Bolzano University together with Nitzan Cohen in the Design Friction Lab, leading the Sustainable Smart Parasite project, as well as carrying out the DIYR project (the future of open source: manufacturing aesthetics and logic), 2018-22.
Rodrigo Luis Medina
IT/
1996Rodrigo is a young Italian-Peruvian designer, skilfully collects and analyses information to inform conceptualisation, then plans and designs potential products after prototyping.
He designs objects for gestures and rituals related to everyday life using traditional production methods combined with more modern processes.
Network and partnership
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STÜA brings together diverse partners including social organisations, sustainability groups, construction firms, and research institutions. Each contributes vital expertise like community outreach, materials sourcing, building capabilities, and design research.
These collaborations enable STÜA to tap into a wide range of skills for constructing eco-friendly, engaging community hubs. Partners lend specialized knowledge in areas from regulations compliance to activating public gathering spaces while meeting local needs. Unified by a commitment to foster social cohesion, connections, and ancient traditions, all share the goal of creating enduring communal structures that promote unity and collaboration. Key partnerships build STÜA’s holistic capacity to serve the public good.
European Institute of Innovation & Technology - EIT
LinkEurope’s largest innovation network strengthening innovation since 2008. A unique EU body in that their method for driving innovation involves bringing together organisations across business, education, and research. The goal of these partnerships is to find and commercialise solutions to pressing global challenges.
EIT Climate-KIC
Link
Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC), working to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon, climate-resilient society.
BASIS Vinschgau Venosta
Link
BASIS Vinschgau Venosta is the wide-ranging re-use project of the former Drusus barracks in Silandro.
The purpose of this Social Activation Hub is for regional and social development in the areas of economy, culture, education and social affairs.
Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
Link
The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano is located in one of the most fascinating European regions, at the crossroads between the German-speaking and Italian economies and cultures. Its trilingualism in teaching and research, its high level of internationalisation as well as an ideal study environment guaranteed by its excellent facilities are some of the reasons why unibz regularly reaches top positions in national and international rankings.
A Place to B(z)
Link
A bottom-up, citizen-led initiative fighting for the creation of inclusive, open spaces for independent culture and us people in Bolzano.
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