Studio Carraldo’s 'Cappella del Suono' is an innovative architectural installation situated amidst the expansive grain fields of Italy's Marche region. This distinctive wooden pavilion seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, embodying a harmonious relationship between human design and the environment. Its thoughtful construction and interactive elements invite engagement, earning it recognition as a winning entry at the Festival di Microarchitettura and a nomination for the Klimahouse Wood Architecture Prize 2025.
The pavilion's design features a lattice of vertical wooden slats, deliberately arranged to create a visually open yet structurally defined space. These slats, suspended at different heights, form an undulating lower edge that blurs the lines between the structure and the rolling landscape. Crucially, specific elements within this wooden grid incorporate perforations, transforming the pavilion into a responsive musical instrument. As gusts of wind pass through, the interlocking wooden components resonate, generating a spectrum of layered sound effects. The intensity and character of these sounds shift with the wind's strength and direction, occasionally echoing the distant chimes of the nearby Convento di Monte Illuminato, creating a profound auditory connection to the site.
The interplay of light and shadow is a fundamental aspect of the pavilion's appeal, constantly redefining the interior space throughout the day. Sunlight filters through the open slats, casting intricate patterns that highlight the structure's dynamic relationship with its environment. Supported by slender vertical beams anchored directly into the earth, the installation minimizes its ecological footprint, underscoring its temporary nature. The use of natural, untreated wood further enhances this connection, allowing the material to age gracefully and visually merge with the surrounding grain fields. The 'Cappella del Suono' is more than just a structure; it is an open invitation to experience the environment through a unique architectural lens, offering a bench that extends both inward and outward, encouraging visitors to pause, observe, and immerse themselves in the rich sensory dialogue between art and nature. This pavilion exemplifies how thoughtful design can not only coexist with nature but also amplify its inherent beauty and rhythms, offering a peaceful sanctuary where visitors can reconnect with the simple yet profound symphony of the wind and the landscape.