1. STÜA Oven-01
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.
Rendering: Ignatio Merino
Our modular oven systems leverage the structural durability, thermal mass, and earthy aesthetics of rammed earth, an ancient sustainable building method. Compacted raw earth forms the oven’s thick walls, providing a sturdy base while enabling custom structural additions.
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.
Rendering: Ignatio Merino
Rendering: Ignatio Merino
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.
Rendering: Ignatio Merino
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.
Rendering: Ignatio Merino
Scale model simulating a multi-module installation in the public space
BEGINNING PHASE
The development of the OVEN O1 project represents a comprehensive exploration of sus-
tainable construction techniques and the socio-cultural dynamics of public space utilization.
Our initial phase involved intensive hands-on learning through a workshop at DADO Clay,
where we acquired the technical expertise necessary for the construction of a rammed earth
oven.This work was further supported by material research conducted at the STÜA-LAB,
which was crucial in refining the project’s technical aspects. Throughout this phase, we enga-
ged with a network of suppliers to secure the appropriate materials and resources necessary
for the project’s realization.
FACING DIFFICULTIES
The core vision of OVEN O1 was to create a structure that combines biodegradability with
durability, aiming to contribute both environmentally and culturally to the public spaces of
Bolzano.However, the project encountered substantial challenges, particularly in securing
the necessary permits to construct the oven at our intended site—the old train station area
in Bolzano a place to B(z). This obstacle underscored the broader bureaucratic challenges
and the limited availability of spaces in Bolzano for permanent cultural and social installati-
ons. Over subsequent months, the search of a alternative „place“ became a central focus of
the project. We actively engaged with various communities and explored multiple locations
throughout Bolzano, yet consistently faced difficulties in obtaining the required permissions.
These challenges highlighted the broader issue of limited access to public spaces for cultu-
ral projects within the city of Bolzano, which lead to a necessary shift of Stüa.
SHIFTING
These constraints necessitated a fundamental rethinking of the project’s approach. The rigi-
dity of Bolzano’s administrative structures, which pose significant barriers to the implementa-
tion of social and cultural initiatives, prompted us to reconsider the framework within which
we operate. We shifted our focus towards the development of fluid and adaptable structu-
res that can more effectively navigate the rigid administrative frameworks that often hinder
cultural initiatives. This shift marks a pivotal moment in the project, as it transitions from a
static installation to a dynamic, adaptable approach, reflecting a broader commentary on
the need for flexible, sustainable solutions in urban cultural projects.