Milanese studio Peter Pichler Architecture takes cues from agricultural architecture and traditional farming equipment to design the Hotel Milla Montis in South Tyrol, Italy. Meadows and fields surround the well-shaped mountain of the small Alpine village of Maranza, just above Puster Valley, a tourist destination well known for its marvelous hiking routes. The project location is characterized by its unique scenery and impressive panoramic views of the Dolomites Mountains.
The new hotel structure is fragmented into four shifted volumes to break down the scale of the entire structure while at the same time respecting the scale of the surrounding buildings. The composition is inspired by the vernacular architecture of the region and the classic wooden barn reinventing a contemporary reinterpretation of this typology.
The curved shape of the exoskeleton façade is inspired by the pitchfork used by local farmers. “Maranza is a small village in South Tyrol with a significant agricultural background,” he continued. “At Peter Pichler Architecture, we always try to enhance the local context, traditions, and elements that characterize the place.”
Wood is the main protagonist of the project, both outside and inside, creating contrast with the exterior blackened wood and the interior lightwood.
The interiors are simple and functional, a timeless Alpine style. Ash wood is combined with typical green loden textiles, adding a dash of color giving continuity to the natural palette of the surrounding landscape. Hotel Milla Montis features 30 rooms that range from doubles to large suites with private saunas. Many of them have access to a private balcony, framed through the large curved cut-outs in the facade. There are also a number of shared facilities including a bar, restaurant, and spa, all of which have been positioned with views of the Dolomites.
