Celebrated for its outstanding mountain views and warm Italian hospitality, Zallinger Alpine Retreat’s charms have been recently elevated with an eco-friendly renovation and expansion by noa* network of architecture.

Bearing the region’s seal for sustainable lodgings, the newly certified ClimaHotel boutique getaway has added 24 rooms (to the original 13 rooms) in seven new mini-chalets—a reincarnation of the seven timber barns that once occupied the site.

“We discovered historic photographs from as early 1850 that revealed the evolution of the Zallinger during the last decades,” architect & noa* network of architecture partner Andreas Profanter explains.

“Our research demonstrated impressively that an alpine village, consisting of different buildings for housing and farming, already existed in this area, but was later demolished. In that context, our design can be perceived as a return to the roots of this place, by both simultaneously looking back and forward in time.”

The architects’ sensitive approach to site history carries over to construction as well. To minimize landscape impact, the firm prefabricated the seven chalets off-site using certified materials, including locally sourced larch.

The four-room chalets are arranged in pairs and set on concrete bases. Each building's eye-catching facade is comprised of staggered solid wood blocks, evoking a modern log cabin that pays tribute to the traditional timber architecture in South Tyrol.

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The cozy, larch-lined interiors are dressed with knitted materials and open up to the spectacular outdoors through large windows.

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The main building of the hotel, which dates back over 160 years, received a sensitive renovation—including the reception, lobby, lounge, and restaurant.

The architects also added a new wellness area housing a lounge and sauna with two stunning vantage points: One faces the valley, while the second looks out onto Mount Sassopiatto.

“Sustainability, respect for the mountains, and direct contact with nature are the principles that have guided all design choices,” the firm says. “For example, in the design of the new rooms, careful use of the space was made to provide high levels of comfort in relatively small sizes.” The Zallinger has been certified under ClimaHotel, a program under the Climate House Agency of the Province of Bolzano.

For booking enquiries, head to the Zallinger’s website.

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Project Credits:

Architect of Record: noa* network of architecture / @networkofarchitecture

Builder/General Contractor: Ramoserbau & Aster Holzbau

Structural Engineer: KTB

Lighting Design Company: Lichtstudio

Interior, Cabinetry Design: noa* network of architecture