Design studio noa* transformed an early 20th century hotel into a beautiful mountain-inspired building that brings nature indoors. Surrounded by the snow-capped Dolomites, the Tofana Hotel ‘Explorer’s Home’ enjoys a quiet location near the woods and a ski lift. The building’s asymmetrical shape draws inspiration from the Dolomite landscape, featuring zigzagging balconies with densely planted coniferous trees that give the building depth and a mountain-like appearance.
Located in Italy’s Badia Valley, the newly refurbished Tofana Hotel captures the concept of an “Explorer’s Home.” Founded in 1933, the establishment has been passed down for three generations and is currently owned by Günther and Verena Frena, who share an enthusiasm for outdoor recreation. Inspired by the clients’ athletic lifestyles, the architects created a hotel in the image of a mountain with zigzagging terraces that look like climbing routes, while numerous trees and plants on the terraces help blend the building into the landscape. Stunning views of the Dolomites can be enjoyed from numerous angles.
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“From building to landscape: the design celebrates the evolutionary transformation of an originally compact building – into a layered structural landscape that sustainably reflects its surroundings… the house brings nature into the house,” said architect Lukas Rungger. Large windows and spacious terraces allow natural light to penetrate deep into the building. The interior color scheme, materials palette, and spatial layout also draw inspiration from nature. The use of larch, linen, and natural stone paired with blue, green, and brown tones are suggestive of alpine meadows, biotopes, moss forests, and rock caves of the Badia Valley. The reception is likened to a “Base Station” with its gondola and visitors ascend to their “hut cabins,” or hotel suites.
Images via noa*
