A house that seems to be in motion, lying flat like the horizon at an altitude of 1850 metres and giving its structure free rein. The fact that lightness abounds here in the midst of the impressive South Tyrolean mountains is thanks to the clarity and reduction of form. Architect Martin Gruber is known for his inspiring and imaginative buildings that blend naturally into the landscape and its culture. With the radical conversion of the former Hotel Aurora, he has turned 50 beds into a design retreat with seven suites that over two floors not only offer the best views of the Dolomites, but also act as a contrast to the usual hotel architecture. More personal, simpler, calmer.
The approach is part of the project. Driving up the winding path, slowing down, watching the change in vegetation. The colour of the light changes constantly, depending on the time of day and the weather. All around, the mountains.
The Anders mountain suites combine protection and openness, hard and soft at the same time. The roof resembles a slab that protects against the weather like an oversized canopy. Solidly constructed in cement, grey like the mountains. Beneath it is a construction of natural, brushed spruce wood that stretches organically between the floor and the ceiling.
The interior then opens up to seven two-storey apartments. On the first level of each suite there is the entrance area with wardrobe, the toilet, a shower, a Finnish sauna and the bed by the floor-to-ceiling panorama window, so that you can gaze at the dramatic mountain scenery as soon as you wake up. A wooden staircase leads to the second, lower level with the living and cooking area as well as the entrance to the small private garden.
The guest living room with restaurant and bar is open to everyone. With sloping walls to lean against, delicious breakfasts and dinners on request. In the middle of the room, the fireplace provides warmth, while the tables offer the views. Until visitors are tempted to head out again for the next adventure. On foot or directly on skis. Because the car stays put. After all, you should feel as free as the house itself.
What to do
The mountain wonderland of the Plose massif begins right outside the door for hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking, climbing and skiing (the ski slope next to the house allows ski-in/ski-out); wellness in the sauna in your own suite; culinary delights and good wines by the fireplace, on the terrace, in the restaurant or at the bar; watching the mountains and allowing their power to work its magic on you.
Why we like this house
An unusual solution, a pleasant contrast to the usual hotel architecture.
This house is great for
Two people in each of the seven suites – for couples or friends, even for guests with a dog.
Details
Region | IT – Italy, South Tyrol, Brixen, Kreuztal |
Name | Anders mountain suites |
Scenery | At 1850 metres in the midst of nature of the Plose massif and with a magnificent view of the Dolomites |
Number of guests | 7 suites for 2 guests each |
Completed | 2022 |
Design | Martin Gruber (architect), Verdings |
Published | Deutsches Architektenblatt (October 2023), Salon No. 34 (Spring 2023), IDEAT (January/February 2023) |
Architecture | Modern |
Accomodation | Hotel |
Criteria | Rooms for 1-2 (hotel), Dog-friendly, Hiking, Mountains, Restaurant, Sauna, Skiing, Wine |
Same Architect | Freiform |
Availability calendar
The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with white background the accommodation is still available. On days with dark gray background the accommodation is not available.
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