The Villa “Am Steinbruch”, a private house hosting two families, is established in the outskirts of the village of Oberbozen / Soprabolzano facing the great mountain panorama of the Dolomites. The place is a former quarry, which was the starting point in the development of the concept.
Project Name: The Fossilized Vineyard
Studio Name: noa network of architecture
location: Oberbozen / Soprabolzano (I)
architecture: noa* (network of architecture)
completition: Ende April 2015
typology: private villa / 2 apartments
“ Architecture on this particular place has to meet nature on the most natural way… ” (LUKAS RUNGGER)
The lower parts of the high plateau of the Ritten / Renon area are lined with vineyards, which grow at the steep hillsides; the different rows are supported by dry stone walls, which form elements of the cultural landscape. noa* (network of architecture) implements the stone wall in the same way as it is used in the vineyards – as a supporting element. In doing so the intermediation with the local tradition and the accordance with the omnipresent nature was always crucial to the conceptual approach.
ARCHITECTURE OUT OF STONE
The aim was to implement the architecture into the surrounding in the most natural way; therefore it was important to underline and reinforce local building traditions. The natural stone wall forms the basis of the architecture and softly melts into the landscape. Two simple houses with pitched roofs and covered all over with shingles sit on the stone wall and are looking towards the most impressive mountains scenery. The orientation of the building volumes was chosen carefully in order to view the Schlern and the Rosengarten as the central elements. The front facades are fully glazed and allow the interior to totally open up to the landscape.
The lower parts of the building, the spaces behind the stone wall host the more private sleeping rooms and bathrooms; that part of the building is embedded in the hillside situation in order to become one with the landscape. Also the window openings were chosen to create a more intimate space. The more public areas such as the living and dining area are placed on two floors above the sleeping rooms and form the volumes with pitched roofs. The space is organized as an open floor plan with big openings toward the alpine scenery. The aim was to create a space that connects the inhabitant with the surrounding. When sitting at the kitchen table you are inside but the space is melting with the landscape outside.
The building combines building tradition with contemporary architecture while always looking for a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
THE FOUNDERS: LUKAS RUNGGER & STEFAN RIER
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 work-ethos 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
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
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 University of 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.
