Winner of the European Velo Stops competition uses the form of a bicycle frame to dazzle judges for the win

The EuroVelo 6 bicycle route is one of Europe's most popular roads for velo tourism. Also known as the Rivers Route, this path runs through 10 European countries over a a span of 3,600km. This year, Bee Breeders Architecture Competitions announces the winners of the European Velo Stops competition.

Designers were asked to develop a series of environmentally responsible, cost effective, and energy-efficient cabins that will be used for overnight stays along the EV6 route. Having reviewed several submissions, the jury had to consider each project proposal for the following requirements: 

• What is the correct scale for such a shelter? 
• Can it be mass-produced or easily constructed using local materials? 
• Has the design introduced some innovative element that separates it from the typical A-frame or lean-to structure common for housing cyclists or hikers?

Below are the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in addition to the BB Studen Award and BB Green Award winner. View all 4 projects and their descriptions below.

1st Prize: Accordion: Combinatory Velo Frames - Designed by Edbert Cheng and Ivory Wang

Jury Commentary: "The project considers the 5-member form of a typical bike frame as its primary structural element. It then lays out the structure linearly with slight dimensional variations to create a simple and identifiable wave-like form that is reminiscent of a pair of mountain peaks. ‘Accordion’ presents a compelling design of glulam wood and transparent polycarbonate windows, and the submission compares itself to the ‘primitive hut’, a rustic solution for man’s basic needs. The design certainly seems feasible to achieve, and one can imagine a cyclist’s satisfaction upon turning the final corner of the day’s ride to find this comfortable shelter awaiting them."

2nd Prize & BB Student Award: VELO - Timber Cabin Designed by Julian Lengert and Alica Clemens 

Jury Commentary: "This project was special in its advanced level of detailing, minimalist drawings, and powerful images. It features a two-story structure made of timber, an angled roof for drainage and solar panel placement, and both indoor and outdoor spaces for cyclists. By placing sleeping spaces on an upper level, it keeps inhabitants and the structure dry, while simultaneously providing a protected outdoor space below. The jury questions the structural capacity of the cabin (additional framing elements would likely be required in the short-span direction to resist high winds), as well as whether the bikes are protected enough from theft. The submission nevertheless represents a great project."

3rd Prize Winner: Saddle Bag Designed by Malin Persson

Jury Commentary: "Designed to mimic the shape of a cyclist’s saddle bag, this project offers perhaps the most stand-out form of all the submissions. It features an enclosure of twin-wall polycarbonate and metal, both recyclable materials. The side door slides shut at night to protect the bikes as well as the cyclists within. Its compact form provides a no-waste spatial solution for up to four people, and offers various versions of the design and program for different capacities and uses. While the pill-shape section of the structure provides well-considered headroom within that is also self-draining against exterior rain, one might question the shape of its lower-curved half, which is labeled ‘technical space.’ The images and drawings are striking and the jury commends this work."

BB Green Prize Winner: THE BEACON - Flexible Biking Rest Stop Cabin Designed by Tsz Wing Wu and Wesley Fung

To view jury comments and more project details click here.