Küchelberg Apartments: a union between nature and architecture in the heart of South Tyrol

Immersed in the breathtaking natural setting of Italy’s South Tyrol province, Küchelberg Apartments strike a perfect balance between history and modernity. Designed by monovolume architecture + design, the project comprises three new apartments overlooking the old center of Merano and the Passirio River. From some points, the magnificent Torre delle Polveri is also in view. But nature’s greenery, the flowing river, and the slow, quiet rhythms of outdoors and the nearby vineyards also make their presence felt in every corner of these homes, thanks to extensive glazing that creates an uninterrupted connection between inside and out.

And the architects have made the tranquility of the mountain setting one of the key features of this project, using delicate materials and tones to bring a warm, welcoming feel to the rooms. Timber, for example, is used extensively in both the living and sleeping areas. It’s also a feature of the saunas, with their large windows and views across the landscape. Painstaking attention went into every detail to create apartments that are outstanding examples of contemporary style and design.

Specifically, the Küchelberg Apartments project involved three apartments, one on the third floor of the building and two penthouses under a new sheet metal roof. Despite their very different personalities, all three apartments share a respect for nature, designed to subtly merge with the surrounding landscape and respect its beauty. The interiors are bright, spacious, and, for the most part, oriented towards the outdoors. They’re also functional for daily living, with carefully designed artificial lighting that’s both soft and precise.

Large furnished balconies and terraces further enhance each apartment’s connection to nature. Described by the architects as the “real magic” of the project, these panoramic outdoor spaces are truly peaceful oases.

Each apartment also has a small private sauna with views of nature, adding an extra touch of luxury and wellbeing. By combining architecture and nature, history and modernity, Küchelberg Apartments mirror the soul of Merano itself.