noa* network of architecture

The silent theatre | noa* (network of architecture) enlarges the family business Valentinerhof and gives it, in harmony with nature, his new identity.

“Communicating the values of the local tradition and the harmony with nature were decisive for the architectural concept.” - Stefan Rier

The hotel is located in the village of Kastelruth next to the well-known Seiser Alm at approx. 1200 meters above sealevel. The family establishment was enhanced and enlarged with a new wellness area and a new lobby with attached bar and restaurant. 14 spacious suites were added to make the new hotel increased by 1100 square meters.

ARCHITECTURE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE AND TRADITION
The aim of the architectural concept was to underline and reinforce the impressive surrounding alpine scenery by inserting thoroughly conceived built volumes into the natural landscape. In doing so the intermediation with the local tradition and the accordance with the omnipresent nature was always crucial to the conceptual approach. The new hotel extension is divided into two smaller volumes that form an arena oriented to the Southern Valley and opens up to the close rock massif of the nearby Schlern Mountain.

The contrast between the wideness of Bolzano’s basin and the imposing presence of the Schlern Mountain is brought back into both fragments of the building in order to create a formal and functional dialogue.

At the same time the view, the panorama and the mountain silhouette remain the main focal point. The hotel achieves a significant attribute to its new identity through the establishment of the new wellness area; the element of water becomes integrative part of the concept of architecture, interior design as well as all products and furniture.

In between the soft silhouettes of the mountainous landscape, the earth becomes a main habitat that is softly indicated by discrete wooden elements that are complementing the solid building by attaching themselves onto the main facade. The natural stone cladding and wooden frames get reflected inside the full height glass elements and sink into pool, lake and seascape.

Inspiration for the form-finding of the facade has been drawn from local building traditions of Kastelruth such as the “Heuharpfen”, the Futterhaus, the double-paired farm (Paarhof) and the ancient wooden fences. The irregular wooden frameworks abut with different lengths into the surrounding landscape and enclose it.

As a consequence, spaces that stand between internal (earth) and external (landscape) are created and become part of the landscape. The rhythm of melting two spaces shall evoke the feeling of security in the visitor’s sensation. Room-high glass panels and wide terraces accentuate the interaction of the inside and the outside - of the building and the landscape.

Another fascinating element of the exterior and interior design are the typical “Heutücher” – 50-year-old linen cloth that communicates warmth and forms the subtle separation of the room’s terraces. Moreover, the connection of several terraces is facilitated by simply removing several rags.

SLEEP IN CARE OF NATURE
The suites are characterized by almost square floor plans; the room-high window panels allow a maximum of natural daylight illuminating all backsides of the rooms and the bathrooms. The bed faces towards the valley and every guest can enjoy the great views right in the morning while waking up. The guest is supposed to feel like sleeping outdoors because of the bed’s position right at the border of exterior and interior space. The lounge area of each room contains a big futon and is completed by the traditional linen cloth; it is made out of fabric that is up to 90 years old and was hand-weaved on a loom from 1901.

DIVE INTO THE ELEMENT OF WATER
The wellness area is composed of a main pool area and a sauna area. The pool consists of an indoor element that forms the entrance area and is connected to the outdoor pool of approx. 70 square meters. Sundbeds invite to relax and enjoy the wonderful panorama. The pool is framed by the facade’s wooden work and spans over the entire western wing of the building. The water sloshes over a fifteen-meter long infinity edge, plashing down onto the generous sundeck.

A Finnish sauna, an Herbal sauna, a Steam Bath and various relaxation and sleeping rooms complete the eastern part of the building. The Finnish sauna comes with a great 270-degree panorama window. The herbal sauna is located 1.5 meters below the rest of the wellness area, right on the level of the outer natural lake. Entering this lower sauna, the guest gets the sensation of a mirrored panoramic view repeating itself within the lake surface.

The entire space sits right in the middle of the lake area and the glass surfaces transport the water reflections playful into the inside. Also inside the steam bath, which is the only room without any openings to the outside, the element of water is omni-present. It trickles down an oblique wall and sweeps the light, which comes out of stone cubes, along the wall. The sound of the cascade is calming, captivating, even bewitching.

THE INTEGRAL WHOLE
Furniture, Lighting, Interior design, Architecture and landscaping – each element was conceived and designed by noa* with the idea of a holistic design philosophy, produced with a maximum of passion, attention to detail, tradition and local craftsmanship. The most challenging internal feature was the production of a lighting object that reflects the human soul. It was developed in collaboration with a Roman glassblower and a German designer.

Single mouth blown glass beads were filled with water and dangle down from the ceiling of the staircase, which is the connection between the new and the old building – the rooms and the wellness area. The different forms of the glass elements come from natural stones that were found in the surrounding areas and were used as negative forms. The lightness of the building contrasts the enormous cliffs of the given landscape and balances the claim for pleasure and inner calmness. The architecture aims to highlight the silhouette of the mountainous landscape and is softly integrated into the fascinating alpine scenery.

STORY TELLING MATERIALS
noa* exclusively used traditional materials such as natural stone cladding, wood, glass or linen. Crucial aim was the experimentation with traditional working processes in the manufacturing of the materials. Each space of the hotel was tested to reach intriguing compositions by using 3d-and 4d based software. The three-dimensional display and visualisation were essential for the composition of surfaces and materials. Different prototypes of wood, tiles, fabrics, carpets and lamps were connected to a holistic assembly of colours and materials.

Room-high windows allow the ideal gain of solar energy at this sea level. The wooden facade elements serve as active and passive sun protection. Moreover, obscuring elements were used to avoid overheating and form a stage for the dialogue between nature and building.