Periscope Hut was created by Zimo Zhang and Zhifei Xu of Paris-based studio Else Design. The winner of the international architecture competition “Le Festival des Cabanes”, the hut is located in Saint-Ferréol, close to a small village by Lake Annecy in the French Alps. Periscope Hut’s thoughtful design establishes a deeply felt connection with its natural surroundings.
Le Festival des Cabanes explores the archetype of a hut in its simplest form, in a way that ponders the relationship between the built environment and nature. The 2023 festival has thirteen huts in total — the huts are made using locally sourced wood in partnership with nearby sawmills. Periscope Hut’s built area is just five square meters (54 square feet); constructed from native spruce wood, it was erected by Else Design and a group of local volunteers.
Periscope Hut is located in a small clearing by a stream, on a winding nature trail leading to a waterfall (called the Cascade de Fontany). “This site asks for a different kind of relationship between people and the waterfall,” says Else Design. “The archetype of the basic hut was shaped and manipulated to respond to the call of the site. The periscope alters the relationship between people and nature, forming a close bond that didn’t previously exist.”
The design of Periscope Hut is wonderfully curious, like a characterful forest creature standing by the stream and gazing at the waterfall in the distance. “The long, thin feet at the bottom firmly hold up the body, elegantly lifting the hem of its skirt, as if it is trying to cross the stream with its dress up,” Else Design remarks.
The Periscope Hut portrays views of the waterfall and surrounding nature in an unexpected way. (Exactly like a periscope, the structure uses two mirrors inclined at an angle of 45 degrees, reflecting the view of the waterfall.) When entering the hut, visitors are immersed in a serene and shadowy interior space, one in which they can enjoy a view of the waterfall “suspended right in the center of the building,” says Else Design. “The hut creates a spiritual and sensitive place in a natural setting for quiet rest, contemplation, and appreciation of the view.”
Skylight mirror view:
Reflection of the stream:
Periscope Hut is a pure and simple form of architecture, a small pavilion that the architects hope will encourage people to consider and re-examine their relationship with nature and the environment.
Periscope Hut is on view at Le Festival des Cabanes until 15th November 2023.
