Eclectic Barn-Like Retreat At The Foot Of A Beautiful Mountain

At the foot of the Sciliar mountain in Bolzano, South Tyrol stands proudly a beautiful cabin-like retreat. It sits on a site previously occupied by an old barn that dated back to 1850. The new and improved structure was designed and built by studio noa* (network of architecture).  This is one of the most beautiful and picturesque regions in Italy and the cabin takes full advantage of the amazing views. As far as the overall design and architecture are concerned, this is a rather eclectic structure.

The house resembles an oversized barn with a design that has strong traditional characteristics
The house resembles an oversized barn with a design that has strong traditional characteristics
At closer inspection it becomes apparent that the traditional shell hides a modern interior
At closer inspection it becomes apparent that the traditional shell hides a modern interior
Inside, the spaces are warm and welcoming and the colors are dark and mostly neutral
Inside, the spaces are warm and welcoming and the colors are dark and mostly neutral
The social areas interact seamlessly with each other thanks to an open and quite flexible layout
The social areas interact seamlessly with each other thanks to an open and quite flexible layout
Large, full-height windows open the interior spaces to the grandiose views
Large, full-height windows open the interior spaces to the grandiose views
Special attention was given to the finishes and textures included in the interior design
Special attention was given to the finishes and textures included in the interior design

On the outside, the Messner House 9as the project was called) features a strong traditional vibe with local influences. It’s obvious however that the structure has a modern character and this is especially visible on the inside. The project was completed in 2017 and the house offers 220 square meters of living space in total. It has two floors and a very original identity thanks to the old vs new contrast. This duality gives it a lot of character.

The warm wood and other natural colors are complemented by blue and turquoise accents
The warm wood and other natural colors are complemented by blue and turquoise accents
The kitchen transitions seamlessly into the dining room and features scattered tiles on the floor
The kitchen transitions seamlessly into the dining room and features scattered tiles on the floor
Dark color tones give the bedrooms a very cozy and intimate vibe
Dark color tones give the bedrooms a very cozy and intimate vibe
The concrete floors balance out the interior decor and contrast with all the exposed wood surfaces
The concrete floors balance out the interior decor and contrast with all the exposed wood surfaces
The overall proportions and shape of the house are very similar to the neighboring structures
The overall proportions and shape of the house are very similar to the neighboring structures
Sliding glass doors ensure a seamless transition between the living spaces and the exterior
Sliding glass doors ensure a seamless transition between the living spaces and the exterior
The interior design is eclectic, with traditional, rustic and modern elements seamlessly blended together
The interior design is eclectic, with traditional, rustic and modern elements seamlessly blended together
The ground floor incorporates a few double-height spaces which give it a very airy feel overall
The ground floor incorporates a few double-height spaces which give it a very airy feel overall