A unique architectural installation, the Cappella del Suono, has opened in Italy's Marche region. This lightweight wooden pavilion, designed by Studio Carraldo, actively interacts with its natural surroundings, transforming wind into a layered symphony of sounds. The structure exemplifies a harmonious blend of architecture and landscape, offering visitors a distinctive sensory experience.
Key Takeaways
- Cappella del Suono is a permeable wooden pavilion in Italy's Marche region.
- It produces sounds from wind interacting with specially perforated wooden slats.
- Designed by Studio Carraldo, it won the Festival di Microarchitettura.
- The structure uses untreated wood to blend with the natural landscape.
- Light and shadow play a crucial role in the visitor experience.
Architecture That Responds to Nature
The Cappella del Suono, meaning 'Chapel of Sound,' is not merely a static structure. It is a dynamic entity that engages with the elements. Located on a serene hillside amidst grain fields, the pavilion's design focuses on creating a dialogue between the built environment and nature.
Studio Carraldo developed this project, which was independently realized in the summer of 2025. Its selection as the winning entry of the Festival di Microarchitettura highlights its innovative approach to small-scale architecture. The pavilion also earned a nomination for the Klimahouse Wood Architecture Prize 2025, further recognizing its environmental and design merits.
Interesting Fact
The sound generated by the pavilion under certain wind conditions is said to resemble the distant bells of the nearby Convento di Monte Illuminato.
A Symphony of Wind and Wood
The pavilion's most striking feature is its acoustic dimension. It consists of a regular grid of vertical wooden slats. These slats are suspended at varying lengths, creating an irregular lower edge that blurs the boundary between the structure and the ground. Importantly, specific elements of these slats incorporate perforations at their ends.
As wind moves through the Cappella del Suono, these perforated wooden components interact. This interaction produces a range of layered sound effects. The intensity and character of these sounds change depending on the strength and direction of the wind, offering a constantly evolving auditory experience for visitors.
"The structure comes alive in interaction with the wind, transforming the natural force into a blurred wind symphony," stated a representative from Studio Carraldo.
Light, Shadow, and Permeability
Beyond sound, light and shadow are integral to the pavilion's design. The open arrangement of the wooden slats allows sunlight to filter through. This creates shifting patterns of light and shadow throughout the day, reinforcing the structure's responsiveness to its temporal and environmental context. This dynamic interplay ensures that no two visits are exactly alike.
The design team, including Franka Ruhnau, Jonas Rosenfelder, Luis Navarro, Valentin Fick, and David Zauels, focused on permeability. The pavilion is defined enough to establish a distinct place, yet it remains open to environmental forces. This balance allows visitors to feel connected to the surrounding landscape while experiencing the shelter of the structure.
Sustainable Design and Minimal Impact
The Cappella del Suono demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices. Structurally, it rests on slender vertical supports anchored directly into the ground. This minimizes its impact on the site, aligning with the project's temporary character.
The material choice further supports this approach. Studio Carraldo used untreated wood for the entire structure. This allows the wood to weather naturally over time, visually integrating the pavilion even more deeply with the surrounding grain fields. The intention was for the pavilion to act as an architectural extension of the landscape rather than an imposing object.
Background on Microarchitecture
Microarchitecture often refers to small-scale, often temporary, structures designed to have minimal environmental impact and offer unique experiences within natural or urban settings. These projects frequently explore innovative material uses and design principles.
Engaging with the Environment
A built-in bench extends from the interior of the pavilion towards the exterior. This feature encourages different modes of occupation. Visitors can rest, observe the surroundings, and listen to the sounds produced by the wind. This direct interaction helps people engage more deeply with both the pavilion and the natural environment.
The concept to realization of the Cappella del Suono involved collaboration with a local piano maker from Lunano, contributing to the precision of the sound-producing elements. When the wind is calm, the pavilion presents itself as a monolith, a quiet presence in the fields. However, with the slightest breeze, it transforms into a living, breathing instrument.
- Untreated wood: Allows natural weathering and visual integration.
- Minimal foundation: Reduces environmental footprint.
- Permeable design: Maintains connection with the outside.
- Acoustic elements: Transforms wind into sound.
- Integrated seating: Encourages rest and observation.
The Cappella del Suono stands as a testament to how architecture can transcend its traditional role, becoming an active participant in the natural world. It offers a fresh perspective on how design can enhance our sensory experience of a landscape, inviting quiet contemplation and a deeper connection to the environment.