Schole in the High Tatras: Bad Weather Center


5th Place — Xella 29th International Student Competition
Co-author: Petra Ďurišková
Published in: ASB – 29th Xella International Student Competition Results (2023/2024)



The program unfolds into nine pavilions, each inspired by activities and emotions tied to mountain places, where they exist as echoes of one another—never present together, but in constant dialogue. When the weather is kind, their walls open wide, becoming empty, silent shelters stripped of meaning, as if waiting. As the sea levels rise in those distant mountain reflections, buildings too lose clarity, becoming opaque, difficult to reach, and starved of air. At the heart of the project lies the transformation of the Bellevue building into a year-round gallery, offering local artists a stage for their voices, alongside the revival of the amphitheater as a cultural beacon. These pavilions, scattered like seeds around the amphitheater’s ruins, bloom into extensions of the auditorium when skies are clear. Structurally, they whisper of mountain benches, bridges, stairs, and ladders—where rain kisses the surface and water flows beneath—reminding us of the fragile layer we tread upon, and the bold, human-made contrasts that mark it. Built from materials that defy corrosion and promise endurance, their signature air-inflated roofs hover lightly above, an impermeable, weightless skin. Beyond their forms, they become social sanctuaries, weaving together the spirit of the village and the mountain, crafting new conversations between function, shape, and the raw conditions of place.




Set on the original Bellevue site, the building stands as a gallery, its ceiling supporting artworks above a modest raised pathway. The retained floor anchors it in authenticity, rooted in the ground’s memory. Soft natural light filters through the facade, illuminating the art within, while the weather outside remains a distant presence. Inside, there’s comfort and calm—your feet stay dry, your head sheltered—held between the elements and the earth.



Refering to the feeling that surge of excitement as you set out on the trail. 

Everything around you seems utterly captivating, and you’re brimming with energy, eager to explore the beauty of the outdoors.






Walls of chapel serve as gentle guides for the wind, allowing it to flow freely through the space. The roof appears almost ethereal, as if it’s barely there at all. Leaves dance their way inside, and you might even feel the occasional raindrop on your face.

Listen closely, and you’ll  might be able to hear the sound of tiny bells.






The real hike begins now. As you progress, you notice the ways in which human paths assist travelers in natural obstacles. Yet, as you pause to take it all in, you’re struck by the unyielding presence of nature. Before a storm, human scars hurt more; and wood creaks. It’s a reminder that embracing this moment is a worthy.



It’s as cozy as your favorite local pub, with a simple rectangular shape that makes you feel like you could reach out and touch every wall. The roof slopes inward, creating a illusion as if it’s gently leaning in, welcoming you inside. Oh, and here’s a little tip: When the weather’s fine, you can also catch a good movie!









Nothing beats the satisfaction of enjoying a cold beer and a hot bowl of garlic soup after a long walk. Ideal combination to replenish energy and calm the senses. 

Cheers to a well-deserved treat!





A long corridor in a well-insulated building, designed to transport you to a whole different world. It stretches from one end to the other, with entrances and exits at opposite sides. And here’s the magical part—light filters in, peeking through the space. There’s even a walkway that takes you up and down, allowing you to traverse through the foggy atmosphere.”






Refering to the last steps through the valleys leading up to the mountain peak. It’s a bit of a mystery here, with thick fog obscuring the view, but it feels like we’re getting close to the summit.



 Room serves as a bridge between the external environment and the interior space, recreating a natural ambiance. Working in a hypoxic chamber slows down the body’s pace, altering how simple tasks are performed as if you were at high altitudes in the mountains. The building consists of a two-layer PVC facade where sufficient oxygen is regulated in the first layer. In the event of good weather, all walls can be opened, allowing the oxygen level to equalize.



Finally at the top of the mountain. I can feel my heart pounding in my head. It’s a struggle to catch a breath with so little oxygen. But strangely, everything seems crystal clear in this moment.