Italian architecture firm Peter Pichler Architecture has remodeled an old boutique hotel with reduced Alpine style that gives references to the village's folkloric culture and the relationship with its nature and surrounding mountains. 

Called Hotel Schgaguler, Peter Pichler Architecture won a competition in 2015 to fully reconstruct the existing "Hotel Schgaguler", located in the heart of the Dolomites, mountains and landscapes protected by the UNESCO. 

The small village of Castelrotto in Alto Adige, North Italy, is known for its folkloric culture and the relationship with its nature and surrounding mountains. The original building of Schgaguler was built in 1986 and Peter Pichler Architecture has completed the building this year. 

Designed as a simple and timeless architecture, being "timelessness" is the main protagonist of the charming boutique hotel. The studio used Alpine style in design scheme with reduced aesthetics, creating an authentic sense of well-being. 

By creating an open and transparent house, it attracts guests and invites visitors to come in and feel the connection to the picturesque village and its surrounding mountains. 

The project consists of three monolithic volumes, following the original structure of the house before reconstruction. While respecting local context and its surroundings, the strong architectural identity of the hotel follows a contemporary reinterpretation of the alpine style and plays with vernacular elements such as the typical sloped roof. 

The architects designed as expressive exoskeleton facade that changes according to orientation and program. At the north/east facade, with mostly corridors and public spaces, the almost sculptural structure is less depth. 

At the south facade the tapered geometry has more depth and creates loggias with natural shading. The bright grey color of the chalk containing render of the facade is inspired by the rocks of the surrounding mountains. 

"Tradition and culture are key elements in the design of the Hotel. Simple and functional interiors with open layouts are combined with local materials such as chestnut wood or local stones and textiles," said  Peter Pichler Architecture.

"Public spaces like lobby, bar and restaurant are located on the ground floor. The Bar connects to a wide and sunny terrace with impressive views towards the Sciliar mountain. The underground level hosts the wellness facilities, spa and beauty."

The rooms and suites are located in the above levels and are characterized by timeless design that evokes a cosy atmosphere. Open bathrooms with free-standing bathtubs invite you taking a soothing bath after a hike or ski tour. 

Site plan

Ground floor plan

Fourth floor

Cross section

South facade

Project facts

Project name: Hotel Schgaguler

Architecture: Peter Pichler Architecture

Year: 2015 winning competition, 12thof March 2018 beginning of construction, 15thof July 2018 finish construction

Location: Castelrotto, Alto Adige, Italy

Client: Hotel Schgaguler

Peter Pichler Architecture Team:

PPA Principals: Peter Pichler / Silvana Ordinas 

PPA Project Architect: Simona Alu’ 

PPA Design Team: Peter Pichler, Simona Alu’, Giovanni Paterlini, Daniele Colombati, Cem Ozbasaran, Gianluigi D´Aloisio, Ugo Licciardi

Interiors: Peter Pichler Architecture and Martin Schgaguler 

Tendering: Jens Kellner

Construction management: HGV

Structural engineering: Baucon, Ing. Simon Neulichedl

MEP Engineering / Fire: Studio Contact

Acoustics: Solarraum 

Lighting consulting: Lichtstudio Eisenkeil

Landscape Art Photos: Martin Schgaguler

All images © Oskar Dariz, Martin Schgaguler

All drawings © Peter Pichler Architecture

> via Peter Pichler Architecture