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Designed by Plasma Studio, Bistro Bergsteiger boasts an enviable location in the central Sexten Dolomites, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. With its setting dictating its design, the project very much blends in with the surrounding built and natural environments.
Bistro Bergsteiger is located at the foot of a mountain slope, alongside a busy hiking trail. The structure was designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. In fact, when viewed from the entrance to the valley, the mountain landscape hasn’t been altered in the slightest by the new facility. The dimensions of the building were kept to a minimum, while its geometries were calculated so it blends in with the existing buildings.
Bistro Bergsteiger overlooks Peak 12 to the south and, in the opposite direction, the surrounding buildings. On plan, the new volume is aligned with a nearby listed building, while its minimal height is intended not to detract in any way from the overall appearance of its built environment. The result is architecture that’s appropriate for its setting while still having its own distinctive personality.
The full-height windows beneath the double-pitched intensive green roof let visitors take in the views of the surrounding landscape. Inside, the main space is divided into the serving counter, the circulation space, and the dining area, which in turn is divided in two to create a more intimate feel and, with the floors in the two areas at different heights, offer different views. In good weather, the glazed wall overlooking the terrace can be opened, extending the indoor space outwards.
The building materials used reflect local traditions, with sprayed plaster applied both inside and out, and larch cladding that features contemporary reinterpretations of traditional decorations. The aggregate and sand used in the exposed concrete floor and plaster finish were sourced on site. Local stone and larch has been used for furnishings, further enhancing the project’s close relationship with its setting.
Architect: Plasma Studio
Design Team: Eva Castro, Ulla Hell, Holger Kehne, Chuan Wang, Peter Pichler
Location: Sexten, Italy
Year: 2021
Photography by © Florian Jaenicke
courtesy of Plasma Studio
