Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner ArchitektThe cubic <a href="http://www.vertikale.it/index.php?id=33" target="_blank">Vertikale Climbing Gym</a> in Brixen, Italy is more than just a place to get a great workout. Located within view of the Dolomites in northern Italy, this high-tech gym features an intelligent facade that eliminates the need for mechanical cooling. Designed by <a href="http://www.archmeraner.it/" target="_blank">Wolfgang Meraner Architekt</a> and architect <a href="http://stadtlabor.org/" target="_blank">Martin Mutschlechner</a> of <a href="http://www.stadtlabor.org/" target="_blank">StadtLABOR</a>, Vertikale has a semi-transparent energy-efficient facade that offers views of the mountains and town during the day. At night the gym lights glow and passersby can check out the climbers in action.1
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner Architekt<a href="http://www.vertikale.it/index.php?id=33" target="_blank">Vertikale Climbing Gym</a> is located in a prominent location adjacent to Brixen's town square and a municipal park.2
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner ArchitektThe almost cubic building measures 20 m long, 16 m wide, and 15.7 m high and it's clad in a high-tech facade.3
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner Architekt<a href="http://www.archmeraner.it/" target="_blank">Wolfgang Meraner Architekt</a> and <a href="http://www.martinmutschlechner.com/" target="_blank">Martin Mutschlechner</a> of <a href="http://www.stadtlabor.org/" target="_blank">StadtLABOR</a> designed the building with aid from <a href="http://www.transsolar.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Transsolar</a>.4
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner ArchitektThe semi-transparent design provides a great visual connection with the outdoors and the urban space.5
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner ArchitektThis multi-layered facade works to provide natural daylighting during the day while minimizing solar heat gain and keeping the interior cool.6
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner ArchitektThe building also features an energy-efficient climate control system that makes use of natural ventilation, high thermal mass and a geothermal system that eliminates the need for mechanical cooling.7
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner ArchitektAt night, people on the outside can get a clear view of the action inside and will hopefully be inspired to check out the gym.8
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner ArchitektInside the climbing gym.9
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner ArchitektThe gym offers up a wide range of climbing facilities for a variety of techniques, skill building and competitions.10
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner ArchitektA bouldering area.11
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner ArchitektOutdoor climbing area.12
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner ArchitektView through the facade at night into the climbing area.13
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner ArchitektThe semi-transparent intelligent facade is the key to its energy efficiency.14
Vertikale-Wolfgang Meraner Architekt
The cubic Vertikale Climbing Gym in Brixen, Italy is more than just a place to get a great workout. Located within view of the Dolomites in northern Italy, this high-tech gym features an intelligent facade that eliminates the need for mechanical cooling. Designed by Wolfgang Meraner Architekt and architect Martin Mutschlechner of StadtLABOR, Vertikale has a semi-transparent energy-efficient facade that offers views of the mountains and town during the day. At night the gym lights glow and passersby can check out the climbers in action.