With the renovation and expansion of the Zallinger Refuge at the Seiser Alm/ Alpe di Siusi, a new model of hospitality was born and serving as a good example of responsible tourism.
Project name: Zallinger
Architect Name: noa network of architecture
An example of a historical and landscape recovery intervention in a high mountain context. The nineteenth-century barns are reborn as mini-chalets, which bring back the charm of an alpine village. The South Tyrolean tradition is combined with comfort, quality of design and sustainability. The Clima Hotel was built with maximum environmental protection in every aspect of the construction. The project, designed by noa*, an architecture studio in South Tyrol that has long been committed to developing innovative models of receptivity and green tourism (they were recently included by Dezeen in the short list of the 20 emerging international architecture firms for the year 2018).
The aim was to improve the quality and accommodation capacity of an old high mountain hotel structure without altering the delicate landscape and environmental balance, while at the same time creating aesthetic value and sustainability. This was noa*s (network of architecture) goal in the planning and expansion of the Zallinger Refuge in the Alpe di Siusi area.
The project, completed in 2017, has created new spaces without altering the existing volumes, and at the same time has returned to the historic settlement with the characteristic of the original small village. Through the solutions and materials adopted, the magic of that era was brought back to life, in both respect for the environment and traditions.
Architect Stefan Rier explains:
“In this project we have also tried to bring out that strong relationship between architecture and context, which characterizes all our works. We want to propose new models of life and hospitality that on the one hand recover traditional forms and materials, on the other hand express quality of design, high levels of comfort and sustainability. The alpine environment is a complex and fascinating system that must be understood and respected. We think it’s important to think of new spaces and ways to inhibit it: environments on a human scale, comfortable, welcoming, but above all unique and authentic”.
noa* – network of architecture
Drususallee 231, I-39100 Bozen-Bolzano www.noa.network / t +39 0471 1880941 press@noa.network
noa network of architecture
Lukas and Stefan met, while working as project architects with the renowned architect and designer Matteo Thun in Milan, being responsible for a series of challenging projects in the field of tourism, modern living and contemporary workplaces. Before joining forces to found noa* back home in Bozen/Bolzano in 2010, both Lukas and Stefan improved their skills and fine-tuned their workethos during a decade of work experiences both locally and abroad. From many years of working in New York, London, Berlin, Milan, Ferrara and Graz, they gained in depth cultural and social insight, which until present, remains a crucial influence and input in their designs. In 2018 noa* has expanded even further, founding their second office in Berlin.
“… back in 2010 we established ourselves in Bolzano founding noa*, deliberately conceived as a ” network ” as this truly reflects the spirit of our work; the way we think and live.” Lukas Rungger
Lukas Rungger (born 1977) graduated in architecture from the Technical University Graz (AT) and after additional studies in Brussels (BE), he first worked as an architect with Prof. Hans Gangoly in Graz (AT), then with Softroom Architects in London (UK) and finally in Milan (IT) with Matteo Thun. After having completed his thesis in New York City (USA) followed by his professional qualification as an architect from IUAV Venezia (IT), Lukas has been extensively involved in a wide range of projects mainly in the field of master-planning, housing, hotels and interior architecture of bars and restaurants. He was a member of the RIBA Royal Institute of British Architecture and is now a member of the Architectural Chamber of Bozen/Bolzano.
Stefan Rier (born 1979) graduated in interior design from Centro Studi „Andrea Palladio“, Verona (Italy) and in architecture from the Technical University Ferrara (Italy). He first worked as an architect and project leader with Arch. Demetz, then moved to Bergamo (Italy) to work with Prof. Massimiliano Mandarini and finally in Milan (Italy) with Matteo Thun. He received his professional qualification as an interior designer and architect from the Universita di Genova. Stefan has been focusing on a series of projects from sustainable housing to hotels, extending to interiors, landscaping and bespoke furniture design. He is now a member of the Architectural Chamber of Bozen/Bolzano.
