BISTRO BERGSTEIGER || The Epitome of Alpine Luxury and Refined Design
Nestled within the heart of the Unesco Natural Heritage area of the Dolomites of Sesto, you'll find a place where architectural magnificence and natural beauty fuse to create the epitome of alpine luxury: the Bistro Bergsteiger.
This charming jewel subtly enhances the majestic landscape of Sexten, Italy, offering not just a place of respite but an unforgettable visual journey for its patrons.
The Bistro Bergsteiger comfortably fits amidst the breathtaking panorama without intruding upon the captivating vista surrounding it. Thanks to a mindful design approach, the bistro's presence only accentuates the scenic beauty of the Dolomites, embracing the philosophy of “insert and fit - as much as necessary, as little as possible.”
The bistro emits a soft glowing light during the winter night. Positioned to avoid interrupting the sight-lines of guests staying in the hotel just steps away.
This remarkable project services two four-star hotels, HOTEL DOLOMITENHOF and LANDHAUS ALTE POST, the former featuring nature-inspired interiors with wooden floors and pine furniture, and the latter exuding rustic allure through its classic alpine style.
The Bistro is strategically positioned at the edge of an embankment along a popular hiking trail, its unique design harmonizing with the natural and architectural elements of the surrounding landscape. The low-impact design not only complements the area but respects the pre-existing structures, proving that thoughtful architectural design can preserve natural beauty while still leaving its distinctive mark.
Expansive views offers a sweeping view of the mountainous landscape.
The glass facade can be opened to connect the indoor space and outdoor terrace on sunny days.
As you step inside, the interior design captivates with its understated elegance, offering an undisturbed view of the mountainous landscape. The main room divides into various sections - the counter, the circulation space, and two dining areas, each intricately designed to balance intimacy and tranquillity with the sweeping views offered by the high-altitude location. On sunny days, the glass façade separating the interior from the exterior terrace can be opened, allowing the splendour of the outdoors to further envelop the space.
A tribute to local tradition and natural materials, the bistro's design echoes the nearby listed structures. From the spray plaster indoors and outdoors to the larch wood cladding – a contemporary nod to the old decorative motif – every material evokes a sense of connection to the locale. The Bistro Bergsteiger utilizes local Dolomite stone and larch wood in its furnishings, reinforcing the natural elegance that defines this extraordinary location.
The use of Dolomite stone and larch wood throughout the interior is a nod to local materials.
Further enriching its historical narrative, the owners of the bistro are descendants of mountaineering pioneers Michl and Sepp Innerkofler. The documentation of their first ascent forms an integral part of the interior design, symbolically anchoring the bistro to its mountainous roots.
The Bistro Bergsteiger effortlessly exemplifies a project fully defined in its “appropriateness”. Through careful planning and thoughtful design, this establishment showcases an intimate dialogue with its context and moderation in its intervention. As you immerse yourself in the Bistro's remarkable setting, allow the tranquillity and refinement of its alpine design to transport you on a journey that can only be described as enchantingly Italian.
The bistro tucked into the lush embankment at the foot of the dolomites during the summertime.
PROJECT DETAILS
Type: Hospitality, Interior
Status: Commission, Built
Location: Sexten, Italy
Completion: 2021
Client: Hotel Dolomitenhof GmbH
Design Team (Plasma Studio): Peter Pichler, Eva Castro, Ulla Hell, Holger Kehne, Chuan Wang, Giulia Mariotti, Irene Mutschlechner, Niccolò Dal Farra
Collaborators: Team 4, Klaus Seeber
Photo Credits: Florian Jaenicke