GFELL by noa* || A Hotel Under the Barn in South Tyrol
Its roots are underground, yet it boasts an amazing view: the hotel designed by noa* in Fièallo Sciliar was extended by embedding it in the terrain, offering guests a spectacular view and the feeling of being immersed in nature.
The challenge was to transform a traditional South Tyrolean restaurant into a larger hospitality space, without altering the charming, beautiful landscape with new levels. The project, located in Fiè, boasts a breathtaking view of 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, but ...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.”
REVIVING AN OLD BARN AS THE NEW ENTRY POINT
The team refurbished an old barn that sits next to the restaurant as part of the project, turning it into the hotel’s reception, lounge, and breakfast hall in one large open space. Visitors are pleasantly surprised by the updated interior as the exterior of the building still preserves a traditional look from the careful restorations.
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, deeply- rooted 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.
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.
Inside the refurbished barn
Large terrace offering sweeping views of the surroundings
THE HOTEL: SUSTAINABLY NESTLED WITHIN THE SLOPES
The new building is developed on two underground levels, which follow the land's natural slope. Its architecture is almost canceled 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.
All of the rooms are the same on both levels (-1 and -2) and are designed to be the perfect relaxation spaces outfitted with custom-designed furniture in the most soothing light and natural tones. On entering, a wooden entry leads to a bright, open space. The bathroom area is open, designed with stone-effect tiles which break up the color uniformity of the durmast wood chosen for the flooring in the room, whilst a white ceramic vessel sink evokes the traditional country basin in terms of its shape.
The terraces that accompany each room allows guests to get ever-closer to nature, as if one is soaring above the valley below, soaking in the unobstructed panoramic views.
Large format window frames a soothing view
“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. ”
6 individual rooms offering a private space to unwind
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 out 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.
Through this thoughtfully designed and carefully executed restoration and extension program for hotel Gfell, noa* delivers a tranquil escape nestled in the hillside complete with thrilling views of the surrounding landscape.
Flower outline motif custom designed by noa*
PROJECT DETAILS
Project Name: Gfell
Location: Fiè allo Sciliar, South Tyrol (Italy)
Architecture & Interior Design: noa* network of architecture
Completion: July 2020
Intervention: Expansion
Surface Area: 2.000 m2
Photographs: Alex Filz
