DESIGN CONCEPT
In purest crisp Alpine air, 1.500m above sea level, the vigilius mountain resort is accessible only by cable car. No roads, no traffic, no noise. An exclusive refuge for a fortunate few, not all guests of the mountain will be guests at vigilius.
The vigilius mountain resort can only be reached by travelling up 1,500 meters by cable car and affords views of vineyards and apple farms, near the town of Bolzano. Keeping with his philosophy of blending his architecture into the context of its surroundings, Architect Matteo Thun has used wood and glass in a style that aims to shrink the different between architecture and nature to a near imperceptible nuance.
True to Studio Thun’s ecologically friendly approach to design, vigilius mountain resort is built with energy and nature conservation firmly rooted in the founding ethos: The roof being covered in grass and local wood used for heating are two very practical yet equally aesthetically pleasing solutions to fulfilling these laudable aims. An attractive stylistic mix of unpolished silver quartz floors, on which sofas covered in black and white spotted cow hides have been well placed in the reception area. A chandelier made up of deer antlers greets the guest upon arrival, after which the unmistakably modern orange hue of the reception area beckons, glowing beyond a translucent partition.
Embracing the new wholeheartedly has lead to doing away with almost all remnants of the original late 19th century structure – save for a cosy tile-covered oven. Internally heated stone partitions in the design hotel’s 41 rooms warm the interiors in the most efficient and pleasant way possible. A unique sensory experience is created by the use of the naturally scented larch wood throughout – that has been painstakingly crafted to achieve three different finishes: Floors are covered in roughly patterned larch, a fine grain has been used for all panelling and finishes, and a fluted look for the doors.
All guestrooms face either east or west, but always to the outside – that is brought even closer by floor-to-ceiling windows leading on to generous balconies. Not even a single piece of art on the walls distracts your personal dialogue with nature. Matteo Thun’s ability to find the perfect transition from the traditional to the modern simply reinforces the feeling that vigilius is a perfectly organic extension of the ancient mountain on which it is perched.
ENVIRONMENTAL
300-year-old timber beams, rich with history, have been resurrected in the Stadel-style restaurant.
The accessible landscaped roof is an ultra-ecological solution to aesthetic energy conservation, helping to prevent overheating while the large glass windows exploit solar energy. Adjustable shutters on the façade control the amount of shade.
Everything is hermetically detailed, controlled ventilation with heat recovery and the use of radiant panels on the inside. Biomass heating to help nearby farming and safeguard the woodlands, using low quality wood as an energy source in the form of pellets.
AWARDS
A work of architecture which won the WWF's Golden Panda Award in 2005 and Legaambiente / Lombardy Region Award in 2006.
FEATURES
Inspirational views of the surrounding Dolomite Mountains, with their ever-changing colors, act as the backdrop for "focus weeks" at the resort, concentrating on enhancing elements such as health, nutrition, movement and beauty. With exceptional autumnal interiors, exquisite Alpine / Northern Italian cuisine and a hedonistic spa, vigilius mountain resort in Lana represents the bright future of elite hospitality.
• CD player
• Modem line
• Phone
• Laundry service
• Exclusive bath amenities
• Satellite TV & DVD on request
• Conference facilities for 40 people
LOCATION
Vigilius mountain resort is within driving distance of Milan, Venice, Munich, Zurich, Verona & Innsbruck. 20 minutes from Bolzano, Italy. 3 flights per day with 'Air Alps' via Rome to Bolzano and 3 flights per day via Munich to Bolzano.
