Rome-based architecture firm SET Architects has built a site specific pop-up pavilion for the fourth edition of FAR, the Architecture Festival of Rome which was held from 11 to 19 June 2022.

Called Skyframe, the pavilion, designed as a temporary installation for the festival, is based on a simple geometric composition made of XLam walls, known as CLT (Cross Laminated Timber).

The installation is located in the Ostiense district, and specifically in Piazza del Gazometro: an area strongly characterized by the presence of industrial archeology buildings of the twentieth century.

The studio is inspired by the pure volumes and elementary geometric shapes of the paintings of the artistic movement “Novecento”.

Skyframe is conceived as a landmark, 5 meters high, capable of attracting passers-by and transforming the daily use of the square into a new individual experience of public space.

Externally, the architectural object has a double nature: the XLam structure characterizes the base with a strong natural character, while the upper part is iridescent and reflects the shades of the sky and the surrounding urban landscape, thanks to the use of a coating “Rockpanel Platinum” panels. 

The installation is therefore constantly changing and takes on ever-changing reflections and shades as the light changes, at different times of the day. The internal space, 160x160 cm square, is mono-material, features XLam walls that plant a telescope that frames the sky. 

The access is outlined by four portals that allow a free and dynamic use of the architectural object. The internal space, intimate and compressed, leads the visitor to look up and admire the sky of Rome at a precise moment of the day.

Skyframe is configured as an interactive urban device that modifies the ordinary dynamics of use of public space, showing how architecture can offer new ways of experiencing the city.

The studio also added that the visitor can take their own photo of the Rome sky and share it using the #skyframerome hashtag or tagging the instagram page @skyframerome. 

Every single photo will become part of a piece of a larger collection generated from the images of the various users.

Site plan

Elevation

Plan

Axonometric

Axonometric

Axonometric

Project facts

Project name: Skyframe

Location: Piazza del Gazometro, Roma
Event: FAR Festival dell’Architettura di Roma
Period: 11th-19th June 2022
Tipology: Temporary installation
Design: SET Architects (Onorato di Manno, Andrea Tanci)
Collaborator: Lea Ružic
Technical sponsor: Rockwool Italia Spa
Coordination: Arch. Gabriele Russo - Project Sales Specialist Rockwool Italia Spa 

Project management and engineering: Ing. Pierluigi Evangelista
General contractor: Wood Building Srl
Client: Ordine degli Architetti di Roma e Provincia

All images © Simone Bossi

All drawings © SET Architects.

> via SET Architects

CLT pavilion Rome SET Architects XLam