The goal noa* set for their design was to transform a traditional South Tyrolean restaurant into a larger hospitality space, without altering the unspoiled forests and meadows with new levels. The Gfell hotel sits alone just a stone's throw from the village of Fiè allo Sciliar, on top of a slope. The owner was aiming to coordinate this restoration project with top quality accommodation, building new spaces to enhance the distinctiveness of the location.
We could have added an extra level. But in line with the contractors, we opted for a less invasive and more environmentally friendly solution, placing the new section inside the hill. So it's an earth shelter construction that reduces the impact of the operation without taking any views away from the restaurant, whilst in actual fact, providing all the guests at the new hotel with a spectacular panorama. And not only that, but an old barn on site has been refurbished as an additional space for the
new hotel.
Access to the new spaces takes place through an old barn which sits by the restaurant; the outside of the building has preserved its traditional look thanks to careful restoration works, but the inside holds a surprise for visitors. It has been fully converted to host the hotel's reception, a lounge and breakfast hall within one large open space area.
It is an effective design solution from both an environmental and architectural point of view; it repurposes the existing level, deeply rooted in the heritage and land of the local alpine community and also breathes new life into a building that would otherwise be neglected or left to decay.
Inside, all the rooms take light from the large window overlooking the valley and they are structured under the large wooden truss, which was partly rebuilt from scratch in line with local architectural tradition to restore all the feel of a typical South Tyrolean farmstead. Even the flooring, which makes an impression as a simple original cement screed, aims to reproduce the uneven surface area of the original barn (a specific treatment makes the surface waterproof and stain-resistant, however). In the middle is a column fireplace reinterpreting the alpine hearth and creating a visual crux around which the different functional spaces revolve.
Brise soleil-type wooden panels soften radiation from the sun during the hottest hours of the day, whilst creating aesthetic impact at the same time. Outside, the building opens out onto a large terrace that provides guests with a view over the valley.
The new building is developed on two underground levels, which follow the land's natural slope. Its architecture is almost cancelled out in order to allow for the natural scenery to be read with no interruptions. There are 17 new rooms, complemented by a wellness area with a sauna and relaxation area.
Going down a staircase from the barn, guests can enter the lower level which provides access to the new rooms; all of the rooms are the same on both levels of minus one and minus two. On entering, a wooden entry type hall that conceals the wardrobes, leads to a bright and open space of 25 sq m.
The model is that of the suite, with an open bathroom area, except for the toilet and bidet, designed with stone effect tiles which break up the colour uniformity of the durmast wood chosen for the flooring in the room, whilst a white ceramic vessel sink revokes the traditional country basin in terms of its shape.
All the furniture is custom designed in light and natural tones. In each room there is a glass window nearly five metres in length that coincides with the façade, showcasing a thrilling view. The room is complemented by a terrace, featuring wooden flooring, on level minus two it directly borders the lawn, which provides more living space.
The wellness area extends out onto wooden terraces. Inside, six cabins create fully wooden-cladded mini-rooms for individual use, allowing guests privacy and tranquillity whilst they lie down on a soft mattress submerged into the flooring. Custom-designed chaise lounges round off the decor. In the wellness area there is a Finnish and bio-sauna, the latter with a lower temperature, which have a panoramic glass window.
The restoration mainly involved the pre-existing building, which still hosts the Schönblick restaurant with its typical alpine kitchen. Now, however, this is also connected to the new spaces and guests at the hotel may gain direct access to them via a lift.
The main material used for the interior design was wood, used for furniture, as well as for the flooring in all the rooms. Here, unprocessed durmast wood was used showing all its knot; this is also a feature of the furniture's craftsmanship.
In terms of fabrics, the designers went mainly for natural textures and tones which are a perfect union for wood. Mono-coloured felt or one with a geometric motif was chosen in the rooms for the textile upholstery whilst thick curtains, made with special fireproof fabric ensures the necessary privacy and softens the light during the hours of maximum sun rays.
The attention to aesthetic and functional aspects in the lighting project gave rise to ad hoc lights, for example, the lamps with textile lampshades used in the old barn, with the warm and welcoming lighting that is in full symphony with the upholstery of sofas and armchairs.
The hotel boasts the latest insulation technology, ensuring high levels of comfort. The heating and hot water are obtained thanks to a pellet burner, which guarantees "zero impact" on CO² emissions.