Peter Pichler Architecture has teamed up with Slovakian architect Pavol Mikolajcak to design the Oberholz Mountain Hut restaurant for the Oberholz ski resort in the South Tyrolean Dolomites. Set on a small mound at 2.000m in the Italian Dolomites, the hut has its own direct connection to the ski slope.
The cantilevering structure grows out of the hill like a fallen tree with three main branches creating a symbiosis with the landscape. Each of them is facing towards the three most important surrounding mountains. At the end of the branches, a large glass facade frames the surrounding mountains from the interior of the hut. On one side, the building curves around a south-facing terrace set on the edge of the mountain. A glazed wall offers views into the bar and seating area. The sloped roof shape of the glasses takes his inspiration from typical huts in the area, while the branching roof and complex structural interior express a new and contemporary interpretation of the classic mountain hut.
The interior is defined by a complex, curvilinear and visible wood structure that gradually fades into walls and creates so-called “pockets” for intimacy. It could also be seen as a new open space interpretation of the classic “Stube”, well known in typical structures of the area.
The entire hut is constructed with wood: structural elements and interior in spruce, the facade in larch, furniture in oak- all typical woods from the area. A homogenous sculpture with local materials.
The ground floor of the hut consists of the main restaurant / lounge area. The bar is located next to the entrance and is directly connected to the restaurant. The kitchen and storage areas occupy the rear part of the building. Bathrooms lined with grey tiles and featuring ling concrete washbasins occupy the basement floor, along with the staff room.
