July 3, 2023 – The new mountain shelter and bird observatory is now open in the Ucka Nature Park on the grassy mountain ridge near the Kremenjak peak. It is a project by architect Ivan Juretić called “The hatched egg in the nest”, which will enrich the mountain infrastructure.
As announced by Ucka Nature Park, writes Index, the shelter is a small facility with an area of about 12 square meters. It has a capacity of 4 to 6 beds, provides good protection from rain and wind, and safe shelter. From the mountain ridge on which it is located, there is a view of the Kvarner bay and Istria.
Describing the project, they state that “the ovoid-shaped object consists of an outer membrane made of dry branches, which in form and material resembles a nest. Inside it is a smaller, compact, egg-shaped object, which in turn represents a cracked, hatched egg”.
The shelter was built in accordance with sustainable construction methods and ecological standards. It is energy independent, with a real and metaphorical emphasis on ecology, nature and climate protection.
Birds at Ucka Nature Park
In addition to the primary purpose of a mountain shelter, it will also be used as a bird observatory.
Ucka Nature Park points out that there are more than 170 nesting and migratory species of birds in the area. The new mountain shelter is located on the flyover route of many migrant species. This served as inspiration to the author for both the architectural design and the dual function of the facility.
Between the outer membrane and the building there is a staircase that leads to the terrace, that is, the roof. From there, observers can enjoy views of Ucka, the Kvarner Bay, the islands of Cres and Lošinj, and the Istrian peninsula.
It Hides the Observer and Offers a View
The outer membrane of branches somewhat hides both the object and the observer. At the same time, it offers a view outside. The financial project was supported by the VKR Grupa Employees’ Foundation from Denmark. Furthermore, the Elektroistra Mountaineering Society will manage the shelter and ensure its sustainability.
In recent years, architect Ivan Juretic has attracted the attention of the public, especially hikers. His projects included the construction and renovation of the Sugarska duliba, Zdrilo and Rossijeva koliba mountain shelters on Velebit and the Miroslav Hirtz shelter on Bijele Stijene.
