In the Presence of the Alps

By Editorial Staff - 14 April 2023

A historic chalet transformed into an elegant vacation home: the redesign by the firm monovolume architecture + design follows the well-established trend of transforming mountain chalets, born as simple and rustic lodges, into refined contemporary vacation residences equipped with every comfort.

The Chalet D project aims to enhance the relationship between the building and its surroundings, through the opening of large transparent walls that allow guests to enjoy the view of the Austrian Alps that surround the house, while contemporaneously restoring traditional elements of the building.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design Le vetrate a tutta altezza permettono di godere della vista sulle Alpi austriache, facendo del paesaggio circostante un elemento di arredo della casa.

On the exterior, the typical materials of the local architectural tradition, like dry stone walls and oak wood paneling, were maintained and restored, giving the building the typical appearance of an Alpine chalet. On the west and south sides, large full-height glass windows open towards the valley and the Alpine peaks, allowing the panorama to become part of the house.

Inside, the rooms are characterized by a contemporary and minimalist atmosphere, warmed by the use of local materials and architectural aspects of the historical building. The cross beams in the living area have been treated with darker coloring to create a contrast with the light wooden ceiling planks and with the parquet floors. The two large fireplaces give the environment warmth and a typical mountain chalet atmosphere, while the contemporary design furnishings create a lively contrast with the more rustic interior paneling. The shades of blue of the curtains and cushion fabrics are a clear reference to the element of water and to the swimming pool and spa area, one of the key elements of the project.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design

This area, on the bottom floor of the building, features a large central pool surrounded by mattresses arranged to allow guests to enjoy the view through the large glass windows. There is also a bar area and LED lighting which plays with blue hues to create a relaxing environment. The sleeping area is on the top floor, housing four large double bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom and sitting area where one can relax in privacy. The top floor is connected to the middle level, which hosts the living area, by a slender helical staircase made of steel, which distinguishes the environment with a striking architectural gesture.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design

To enjoy the view and landscapes directly outdoors, the chalet is surrounded by spacious terraces and a patio, equipped for relaxation, sunbathing, or barbecuing encircled by the beauty of the Alpine peaks.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design | The wooden cladding of the façade has been restored and treated to bring it back to its original appearance.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design | The living area has a spacious modern kitchen and a large table perfect for conviviality: it is the heart of the home, the meeting point for all its guests.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design | The living area is connected to the floor where the bedrooms are located by a spiral steel staircase with a contemporary design.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design | There are four bedrooms on the top floor, each of which has a bathroom and private lounge where one can retreat and relax in privacy.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design | The entrance is characterized by an imposing circular chandelier, whose crystals shine on the raw wood beams.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design | The interiors are characterized by the warmth of the oak wood beams and dry-stone walls sourced locally, in line with the building tradition of the area.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design | Floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to enjoy the view of the Austrian Alps, making the surrounding landscape an element of the home’s décor.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design | The blue color of the curtains and pillows is a clear reference to the element of water, which is also celebrated in one of the most iconic rooms of the project: the spa area with pool.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design | In the spa area, the pool is surrounded by ample, cushioned seating and a contemporary-style fireplace, adding warmth to the ambiance. Here, there is also a bar area with contemporary lines.

Chalet D | © Meraner and Hauser, courtesy monovolume architecture + design | The LED lighting in the spa contributes to the creation of a calm and relaxing environment.

Location: Austria
Client: Private
Completion: 2021
Gross Floor Area: 950 m²
Architect and Interior Designer: monovolume architecture + design
Main Contractor: Nothegger Living
Lighting Consultant: Eurolicht

Photography: Meraner and Hauser, courtesy of monovolume architecture + design

You might also like:

Interior Design & Contract 06

THE PLAN Interior Design & Contract 6 is the sixth special supplement to THE PLAN dedicated to the contract market and interior design. Out in April 2023 with THE PLAN 145, the publication brings together over 20 of the most significant projects on t... Read More