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Architecture in Alto Adige (South Tyrol) aims to be inspirational – a model for sustainable architecture today with low environmental impact for tomorrow. Klimahouse, the province’s international trade fair dedicated to energy efficient construction and restoration, is returning this year. About to be staged for the 17th time, the event has always endeavored to lay the foundations for conscious design and to provide real answers to climate change, along with its social and economic implications. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for May 18, with the exhibition and its program of events continuing through May 21.
Reflecting the show’s mission, the biggest news this year is Klimahouse Tours, a program of tours offering an in-depth look at recent environmentally significant projects in Alto Adige, including villas set in vineyards, chalets set in forests, community buildings, and city condominiums. Intended to provide genuine continuing education opportunities for professionals, the program has been organized in collaboration with the respective architects.
One of the greatest challenges for any architect is to restore and give new life to an existing building without altering its original characteristics. Two excellent and successful examples are the Hotel Castel Hörtenberg in Bolzano, an antique aristocratic home renovated by architect Peter Kompatscher; and architect Stefan Gamper’s restoration of a former hospital for the poor in Chiusa, which dates from medieval times and had been disused for many years.
This is a journey in three stages through the world of domestic comfort, which is the connecting thread that links Villa 2P in Appiano, designed by Monovolume architecture+design; and two apartment buildings in the city of Bolzano designed by Area Architetti di Pauro e Fregoni: Casa Concordia and the Prati Gries residential tower. Still following the residential theme, two further and very different projects are examined: two residential buildings and an elegant villa set among vineyards and lush farmland. Embracing these very different settings, the architects investigated local building traditions and the relationship with place in each project, interpreting these factors through their own architectural languages.
Through two projects, the Civil Protection Center on the Renon Plateau by Roland Baldi Architects, and the Santenwaldele recreation facility in San Pancrazio by Stifter + Bachmann Architetti, this tour showcases the South Tyrolean sense of community as reflected in its competitive sports, village choirs and bands, and volunteering. For this reason, design competitions are constantly held so that clients can choose from a variety of submissions. These two projects are prime examples.
>>> Read about the Centro Intermodale in Collalbo (in italian)
There’s a longstanding tradition of building with wood in Alto Adige. In recent times, it’s seen a revival because of the material’s excellent insulating properties and its wide local availability. This is the background to this tour, which focuses on Obomilla Waldchalets, a chalet in the woods of Maranza designed by architect Andreas Gruder, and the residence Ciasa Acqua Bad in San Vigilio di Marebbe, the work of Pedevilla Architects.
The tour program culminates with a small sample of tourist accommodations, all of which are very different but united by their simplicity. There’s a wide variety of accommodation options in Alto Adige, from small family-run hotels to farm stays, five-star hotels with health spas, and vacation homes – often exclusive chalets – in fairytale settings. This tour centers on comfort and elegant modern architectural design that preserves tradition. The featured projects are Villa Mayr in Varna by Bergmeister Wolf Architetti, Briol Hotel in Barbiano by architect Theodor Gallmetzer, and Parkhotel Holzner, also designed by Bergmeister Wolf Architetti.
With the aim of setting clear future objectives for sustainable architecture, Klimahouse has two separate discussion programs, both also available via streaming. Devoted to companies and experts presenting their own case studies, Klimahouse Innovation Forum focuses on the future of sustainable building. Presented in collaboration with partners and associations, Klimahouse Academy is dedicated to continuing education.
With the aim of getting the new generation of architects increasingly involved, various initiatives have been planned centering on young professionals. A good example is the inclusion of an under-35 judge in the jury, headed by Professor Niccolò Aste of the Politecnico di Milano and made up of recognized experts in the energy/building/environment sector, to select the shortlist of five finalists for the Klimahouse Prize. This award, organized in collaboration with Milan’s polytechnic, puts a spotlight on companies that are championing sustainability and bringing about innovation in the sector. Its aim is to strengthen, grow, and innovate the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability market from a circular economy perspective.
Another highlight of Klimahouse 2022 is Klimamobility. For the first time this year, the event will include two days of activities (Friday 20 and Saturday 21), comprising an exhibition section, events aimed at professionals, free consultations, and test drives. There’s also Klimahouse Congress, intended to showcase the most futuristic directions in which the sector is moving.
Klimahouse is scheduled for May 18–21, 2022, at the Fiera Bolzano exhibition complex. Tickets, which can be purchased online, are named and dated, and must be presented at the entrance. Tickets purchased online include free public transport to and from the exhibition center. With a single ticket, visitors can therefore enter the fair and travel for free on buses, trains, and cable cars, making a real contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions and traffic levels.
Children under six enter free of charge.
Location: Bolzano, Italia
Date: 18-21 maggio 2022
Photo: courtesy of Klimahouse
Please refer to the individual images in the gallery to look through the photo credits
