Peak views

Peak views

What could be better than a spectacular view? Two spectacular views! One of the last remaining unoccupied building plots on the Karerpass between South Tyrol and Trentino offers unobstructed views of the rugged peaks of the Rosengarten massif, but – as if that were not enough – it also looks out over the jagged and towering mountains of the Latemar massif in the opposite direction. An architect could easily succumb to those million dollar views, but this is thankfully not something that ever crossed the mind of the Merano-based firm, Tara Architekten.

Architecture

Tara Architekten

http://www.arch-tara.it/

Photography

Davide Perbellini

http://www.davideperbellini.com/

Location

Karerpass, Italy

Alpine tradition, contemporary simplicity

The detached house that they built celebrates its setting, with the façades taking in each of the views comprised almost entirely of glass. Its unconventional shape also reflects the untamed mountain wilderness in which it sits, with corners and edges, projections and recesses and an imposing presence created by a combination of implied and actual thickness of the walls and ceilings. The load-bearing internal walls are characterised by vertical wood panelling, while the structure is framed by small, irregular, orthogonal wooden shingles, an eye-catching feature that pays homage to the local Alpine building culture.

A massif in its own right: the façade with striking corners, edges and plateaus. (Photo: Davide Perbellini)

A landscape that continues inside

This building, nestled in the mountainside, is divided into a basement with a garage and a higher-level garden floor, which is where the life of the occupants unfolds. It offers a central entrance, accessed via an exterior staircase, and the space is divided into a semi-public area and a private area. On one side is the spacious living and dining area, and on the other are quiet bedrooms. Like the land itself, the interior of the property has its own topography with ceilings and walls exhibiting a range of heights, bends and folds, which create an unusual spatial experience.

Steps, slopes and folds: the interior also has topographical character. (Photo: Davide Perbellini)

Comfortable living, without the Heidi clichés

It was of paramount importance to the client to create a timeless aesthetic characterised by an authentic Alpine style, but without looking like somewhere Heidi would live. This means that there is of course a fireplace, and it goes without saying that the rooms are largely wood panelled, but the property also offers a modern twist: straight lines, smooth surfaces and wooden furniture that is more understated Scandi than rustic. These clean lines are complemented by intelligent building control provided by a Gira KNX system. Switches and socket outlets from the Gira Esprit design line combined with the KNX pushbutton sensor 4 integrate seamlessly into the overall picture of the interior design. A shining example of natural comfort against a timelessly beautiful mountain backdrop.   

This is not mountain nostalgia, but a contemporary interpretation of natural ambience. (Photo: Davide Perbellini)

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