Dezeen Magazine

Schaufelschlucht Bridge by Marte.Marte Architects is second in trio of Alpine structures

This arching concrete bridge is the second of three structures designed by Austrian studio Marte.Marte Architects for a winding mountain road between two Alpine towns (+ slideshow).

Schaufelschlucht Bridge

The Schaufelschlucht Bridge sits high above the river that runs down through the Schanerloch gorge – one of several valleys that crosses the route between the Austrian city of Dornbirn and the hamlet of Ebnit to the south.

Schaufelschlucht Bridge

The cast-concrete structure was designed by Marte.Marte Architects as an arch that curves gently to one side to lead from an open road to a tunnel carved right through the mountain.

Schaufelschlucht Bridge

It spans a length of 16.5 metres and has an overall width of five metres.

Schaufelschlucht Bridge

"The twisting and tapering of the bridge on the valley side gives a clear idea of the structural capabilities of the arch shape, while its counterpart on the Ebnit side withstands the dynamic force of the water, which has carved a deep gorge in the rock face over the course of thousands of years," explained the architects.

Schaufelschlucht Bridge

Completed in 2012, the Schaufelschlucht Bridge follows the Schanerloch Bridge – built in 2005 across another gorge in the mountain landscape.

Schaufelschlucht Bridge

"The Schaufelschlucht Bridge has been integrated into the tremendous natural surroundings just as naturally and impressively as the Schanerloch Bridge before it," said Marte.Marte Architects.

Schaufelschlucht Bridge

"The bridge's concrete parapets escort motorists and give them a sense of safety as they cross the roaring, rain-swollen waters, and the solidity and equilibrium of the homogeneous structure make it seem invincible and built for eternity," added the team.

Schaufelschlucht Bridge

The third bridge is yet to complete, but will also be built from concrete and will be the straightest of the three structures.

Schaufelschlucht Bridge

Photography is by Marc Lins.

Schaufelschlucht Bridge
Site plan – click for larger image