Zallinger @ Baltic Outlook N°01/2020

LIVING SPACE / January Words by Olga Dolina Photos by Alex Filz

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LIVING SPACE / January

roots

Presented as a historical and landscape recovery intervention in a high mountain context, this Italian winter retreat at an altitude of 2054 metres in the Alpe di Siusi area of the Dolomites unites the beauty of nature and architecture.

• Zallinger encourages direct contact with nature and avoids pollution of all kinds – even the paths between chalets are not illuminated so that guests can admire the starry Alpine sky (with the provided lanterns in hand). The wooden shelving in the wine cellar visually corresponds with the structure of the building’s façade. According to the architects, the design also recalls mountain peaks rising up towards the sky. In addition, the particular angle of the shelves provides the proper conditions for bottle storage.

CELLAR The historic Zallinger Hut in the Seiser Alm area was built in 1854. This Alpine meadow used to have seven barns, which were later replaced by a single building, and a Neogothic chapel that still stands today. Zallinger was turned into a hotel in the 1990s, and just a few years ago it was given a new lease of life with the help of award-winning specialists from noa* network of architecture. The essence of this renovation lies in architectural sustainability, a great respect for the environment, South Tyrolean traditions, and the mountain landscape. While relying on contemporary construction and design solutions, the refuge has retained the original structure of an Alpine village and the layout of the former barns.

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‘The Alpine environment is a complex and fascinating system that must be understood and respected. We think it’s important to imagine new spaces and ways to inhibit them: environments on a human scale that are comfortable and welcoming but, above all, unique and authentic,’ says architect Stefan Rier. The exterior timber cladding of Zallinger creates a signature motif and is made of solid wood blocks stacked in an alternating pattern of full and empty spaces. The roofs are covered in wood shingles, highlighting another South Tyrolean tradition.

Because overexposed windows are inappropriate in the high mountain environment, specially designed wooden panels can be opened to enjoy the panoramic view or closed at nighttime to create an enchanting mood of light and shadows indoors.

Baltic Outlook

/ 2020 / 101

LIVING SPACE / January Words by Olga Dolina Photos by Alex Filz

Back to the

LIVING SPACE / January

roots

Presented as a historical and landscape recovery intervention in a high mountain context, this Italian winter retreat at an altitude of 2054 metres in the Alpe di Siusi area of the Dolomites unites the beauty of nature and architecture.

• Zallinger encourages direct contact with nature and avoids pollution of all kinds – even the paths between chalets are not illuminated so that guests can admire the starry Alpine sky (with the provided lanterns in hand). The wooden shelving in the wine cellar visually corresponds with the structure of the building’s façade. According to the architects, the design also recalls mountain peaks rising up towards the sky. In addition, the particular angle of the shelves provides the proper conditions for bottle storage.

CELLAR The historic Zallinger Hut in the Seiser Alm area was built in 1854. This Alpine meadow used to have seven barns, which were later replaced by a single building, and a Neogothic chapel that still stands today. Zallinger was turned into a hotel in the 1990s, and just a few years ago it was given a new lease of life with the help of award-winning specialists from noa* network of architecture. The essence of this renovation lies in architectural sustainability, a great respect for the environment, South Tyrolean traditions, and the mountain landscape. While relying on contemporary construction and design solutions, the refuge has retained the original structure of an Alpine village and the layout of the former barns.

100

/ airBaltic.com

‘The Alpine environment is a complex and fascinating system that must be understood and respected. We think it’s important to imagine new spaces and ways to inhibit them: environments on a human scale that are comfortable and welcoming but, above all, unique and authentic,’ says architect Stefan Rier. The exterior timber cladding of Zallinger creates a signature motif and is made of solid wood blocks stacked in an alternating pattern of full and empty spaces. The roofs are covered in wood shingles, highlighting another South Tyrolean tradition.

Because overexposed windows are inappropriate in the high mountain environment, specially designed wooden panels can be opened to enjoy the panoramic view or closed at nighttime to create an enchanting mood of light and shadows indoors.

Baltic Outlook

/ 2020 / 101

LIVING SPACE / January

view

Traditional

LIVING SPACE / January

• The public space is modelled after a Stube, the room in a traditional Alpine home where family (or vacationers) gather around the fireplace.

Sound-absorbing panels have been installed behind the wall-to-ceiling wooden boards. Felt flooring, another traditional Alpine material, follows the same aim.

The height of the Billiani tables can be adjusted for comfortable dining.

• The wellness area set in a former barn features a spacious Finnish sauna with uninterrupted views across the valley. Mount Sassopiatto can be seen through the other window, which is set at an incline of 45 degrees to allow the snow to slide down and clear the view.

After a proper dose of steam, guests can dive directly into the snow.

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LIVING SPACE / January

LIVING SPACE / January

WOOD

NATURAL

• Each of six mini-chalets have four independent rooms with a shared corridor entrance. Wooden walls unite the exteriors and interiors in a single theme. The designers compare it with living in a ‘log cabin’ type of space that’s full of modern mountain-lodge character.

• Some of the rooms at Zallinger feature cosy lofts that can be used as an extra relaxation nook or a children’s bedroom. To highlight the sense of being a part of nature, the rooms have no Wi-Fi or television and are decorated with natural materials such as local pine wood and traditional cold-pressed sheep’s wool. Textile details, such as the cushions with knitted and felt elements, are inspired by traditional hunter’s clothing.

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