In the mountains of South Tyrol, near the town of Fiè allo Sciliar, this hotel designed by Noa* is located. Around it, an unsurpassed landscape, full of meadows and virgin forests that adds to the charm of this construction.

However, not everything is what is seen, also what is not seen. The architects have carried out a project that has two underground floors with a total of 17 rooms, the same in each of them.
Noa* team has created a hotel with a superior category, 3 stars. To do this, they have also used an old barn, which has taken advantage of the exterior shape but changed the interior.

Thus, the most significant element used is the wood that also contributes to the architectural tradition of the area. In turn, the floor must be appreciated, which reproduces the original irregular surface of the barn.
 

Description of project by Noa* network of architecture

Its roots are underground, yet it boasts an amazing view: the hotel designed by noa* in Fiè allo Sciliar was extended by embedding it in the terrain, offering guests a spectacular view and the feeling of being emerged in nature.

Transform a traditional South Tyrolean restaurant into a larger hospitality space, without altering the charming, beautiful landscape with new levels. This was noa*'s goal with its project in Fiè, within the wonderful Dolomite scenery of the Sciliar and the Catinaccio.

The Gfell hotel, which is adjacent to the pre-existing Schönblick restaurant, sits alone just a stone's throw from the village of Fiè allo Sciliar, on top of a slope that provides views over unspoiled forests and meadows. The owner was aiming to coordinate this restoration project with top quality accommodation, building new spaces able to enhance the distinctiveness of the location.

"We could have added an extra level", explains the architect Andreas Profanter, a partner at noa*'s studio. "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".

The hotel, which takes its name from the Gfell meadows (prati di Gfell) area, has been classified as 3-star superior.

The barn coming back to life
It is meaningful that 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 openspace area.

It is an uncommon yet effective design solution from both an environmental and architectural point of view; on the one hand, it repurposes the existing level, deeplyrooted in the heritage and land of the local alpine community; and on the other hand, it breathes new life into a building that would otherwise be neglected or left to decay, transforming it into a place of discovery and surprise.

Inside, all the rooms take light from the large window overlooking the valley and they are structured seamlessly 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 spectacular 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 hotel: hypogeal and sustainable
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. For noa*, hospitality is about (and in this project more so than ever) continuously seeking out dialogue with nature and providing the latter with the starring role. There are 17 new rooms, complemented by a wellness area with a sauna and relaxation area.

Going down a staircase from the barn, we enter the lower level which provides access to the new rooms; all of the rooms are the same on both levels (-1 and -2) and are amazing in terms of their features and size. On entering, a wooden entry-type hall (concealing the wardrobes) leads to a bright, open space (25 square metres). The model is that of the suite, with an open bathroom area (except for the toilet and bidet) designed with stoneeffect 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. But most importantly, in each room there is a huge glass window (measuring 4.8 metres in length) that coincides with the façade, showcasing a thrilling view. "There's nothing in front of us, only pine forests, pastures and mountains", notes the architect Profanter. The room is complemented by a terrace, featuring wooden flooring (on level -2 it directly borders the lawn) which provides more living space.

The wellness area, which is also on level -1, also shares the splendid view with the rooms, extending out onto wooden terraces where guests can sunbathe or simply relax in the warmer months. Inside, 6 cabins create fully wooden-cladded mini-rooms for individual use, allowing guests privacy and tranquillity whilst they lie down on a soft mattress that is 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 old restaurant speaks to the new one
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.

Natural choices on the inside
Noa* was actively involved in designing the new hotel at all levels, from the conception and implementation of the architecture to the design of the interiors and furniture, even deciding on the smallest of details. For example, the flower outline motif that is a recurrent theme in the lounge, the wellness area and even the sauna's interior.

"The interior design was handled with great detail", explains the interior designer Barbara Runggatscher, who coordinated the project. "We decided on natural materials and fabrics to create a relaxing environment. We chose the darkest tone of durmast wood and paired it with neutral rough-fibre upholstery, like thick-weaved linen and cotton. A large part of the decor was custom-designed with the aim of offering maximum comfort and personalised solutions".

A good example in terms of functionality is the multi-purpose cabinet in the old barn's lounge, which if need be can be transformed into a breakfast corner but is also useful for afternoon tea breaks.

The main material used for the interior design was wood, used for furniture (tables, chairs, benches, beds, cabinets...) as well as for the flooring in all the rooms. Here, unprocessed durmast wood was used showing all its knots. 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 the perfect union for the 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 ensure the necessary privacy and soften 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.

Insulation & heating
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.

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Project team
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Interior Design.- Noa* network of architecture.
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Area
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Volume.- 6,300 cbm. Surface area.- 2,000 sqm.
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Dates
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Construction start.- January 2020. Completion.- July 2020.
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Location
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Fiè allo Sciliar, South Tyrol, Italy.
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Photography
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NOA* is the essential expression of a collaborative work-ethos: the young team of architects & designers, led by founders Lukas Rungger and Stefan Rier and based in Bolzano, Italy, and since April 2018 also in Berlin Germany, explores and examines interdisciplinary methods of design, continuously evolving depending on both nature and requirements of each project. 

By following the concept of “emergence”, where the whole is perceived as being far greater than the sum of its parts, a holistic approach and strategy are central to NOA*'s way of conceiving design.

Lukas Rungger and Stefan Rier 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 the present, remains a crucial influence and input in their designs. In 2018 noa* expanded even further, founding its second office in Berlin.

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 Ganguly 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 to 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.
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Published on: August 8, 2021
Cite: "An underground hotel with unique views. Gfell Hotel by Noa*" METALOCUS. Accessed
<https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/underground-hotel-unique-views-gfell-hotel-noa> ISSN 1139-6415
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