Client: Moritz Sanoner e Lisa Prast
Architects: Architekten Mahlknecht Comploi
Furnishimgs: custom made on design by the architects
Outdoor furniture: Pedrali
Lighting: Wever & Ducre, Vibia, Intra Lighting, Light-Point
Bathrooms: Diceramica, Fir Italia, GSI Ceramica, Geberit, Cisal, Glass Design, Tubes
Flooring: Florim
Photos: Alex Filz
The clients’ ambition was to infuse the intimate and welcoming hotel with the refined ambiance of a stately home. In reimagining the historic palace, Thomas Mahlknecht and Igor Comploi, the architects tasked with realizing this vision, meticulously preserved the original facade and the stone walls of the entrance hall. They then re-envisioned the building’s interior, dividing it into three distinct sections linked by elegant walkways.
These interstitial spaces, envisioned as ‘green lungs’ between the sections, draw in natural light and provide essential ventilation. The overarching concept was to recreate the essence of a ‘home,’ evoking the memory of Bolzano’s characteristic Lichthöfe – the inner courtyards of old city-center palaces – while reinterpreting the interiors with a contemporary sensibility.
This dialogue between past and present thus defines the hotel, with spaces that unfold through a series of analogies and reinterpretations. Further enhancing this interplay is the photographic work of Elisa Cappellari, created in collaboration with Igor Comploi. Her series of shots captures the intimate essence of the historic city center’s hidden courtyards, bringing to light the often-unseen domestic dimension. These images reveal the customs, ways of inhabiting space, and everyday stories that persist within these secluded urban oases.
To evoke a warm and enveloping atmosphere, the selection of materials and color palettes was paramount. In the common areas – designed to flow seamlessly from one to the next – local stone and natural elm wood are harmoniously combined. In contrast, the guest rooms feature custom-designed and crafted furnishings in rich, burnished oak.
Furnishings, wall coverings, intricate details, and textiles all contribute to a cohesive palette of harmonious shades, ranging from beige and dove gray to warm browns. The aim is to create an atmosphere that truly fosters relaxation and well-being.
