3,000 meters above sea level, in the Italian town of Obereggen, is a place that has been acknowledged as World Heritage Site due to its astounding beauty. It is the Dolomites, a mountain range in the Eastern Alps with amazing cliffs.
Nestled in these wooden mountains that become a snowed paradise each winter, is the restaurant and lookout Oberholz Alpine Hut, whose architectural design is worthy of the beauty of this destination. So much so that the restaurant itself is located on one of the highest spots in the area, at no less than 2,096 meters high.
The landscape of the Dolomites, with their 18 peaks, is considered as one of the most spectacular mountainous ones in the world; between rocky walls, dense tree groups, sharp peaks, and even glacial reliefs. The views are something this site could not skimp on and it is what has turned it into a must-see spot for travelers. One of the most special places to enjoy this landscape is the center’s terrace, from where a 360º panoramic view can be enjoyed.
Alpine Essence
The final result of the architectural design fuses the natural environment with a contemporary approach. Created by Peter Pichler and Pavol Mikolajcak, the place boasts enormous panoramic windows and cozy and warm spaces surrounded by wooden finishes. Inside, the design is simple and elegant, highlighting the charm that the windows frame from floor to ceiling.
The panoramic terrace is made up by three large windows facing the highest peaks and the most important mountain groups from the range. When exploring the landscape, among everything that can be seen are three peaks: Lagorai Group, Cima di Cece, 2,754 m; Ortler Group, Ortler, 3,904 m; and Ötz Valley Alps, Wildspitze, 3,768 m.
Despite being a closed terrace, the height can be felt thanks to its design. The space is flying over a cliff and its curvy shape guarantees that no corner breaks the full vision of the mountain range, thus appreciating it as a whole. The three windows that stand out from it all take the shape of the small cabins, but cantilevered, recreating the feeling of being suspended in mid-air, floating among the snowed peaks that surround the picturesque ski village.
Following the curvy line of the terrace, the rest of the complex is connected through also curvy ramifications, fusing everything and at the same time, creating small halls that offer a more intimate atmosphere. The main hall features a spectacular ceiling made with wooden beams placed as a stairway and with an elevated curve that creates a deeper height feeling. Pampering the palate in this place, through local and sustainable dishes is a unique experience.
The exterior design of this spot follows the same philosophy of fusing with the environment, reason why the concept aims to simulate the appearance of a fallen tree, from which numerous branches emerge and are scattered around the cliff. The full structure is made with wooden hallways that can be seen inside, in order to highlight the complex curvy geometry of the place, while the exterior shows the wood that comes from coniferous trees. The supporting structure and inner panels were made with spruce wood.
Creative minds
Born in Bolzano, Pichler studied architecture in Vienna, with further studies in California. Within his professors are Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher, he even worked with Hadid in various projects in London, including the awarded Nordketten in Innsbruck. Pichler, who has been nominated by the Italian Chamber of Architects as one of the young talents in architecture, founded his own firm in Milan named PeterPichler Architecture.
On the other hand, Pavol Mikolajcak, from Slovakia, worked with architect Christoph Mayr Fingerle in Bolzano, both in architectural projects and participating in tenders. He has also worked along with Walter Pichler Bolzano and is an active member of the Chamber of Architects of Bozen / Bolzano. Among his works are the Bozen City Hall and a hockey stadium in Bruneck / Brunico.
