Interpreting the Genius Loci

Places to meet, socialize, work, relax, have fun and vacation: extensions of domestic intimacy far from home. hôtellerie (the hospitality industry) trends are increasingly proposing versatile environments, containing functions that surpass the boundaries of traditional hospitality, and becoming new hubs in both urban and rural contexts. 

Two interior projects of Vudafieri-Saverino Partners embody this trend: two hotels in completely different contexts – the first being in the heart of Brera, in Milan, and the other immersed in the natural spectacle of the Austrian Alps – share a celebration of their architectural and landscape setting and the same approach to design. 

Nestled among the mountain ranges of the Montafon Valley in the heart of the Alps, the resort of the Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences chain is a structure conceived for a stay in symphony with nature. Designed by Snøhetta as a stereometric composition, it takes advantages of the natural slope and is divided into two slatted buildings connected by a central core. 

The hotel houses 123 rooms and suites, a 1,400-sq. m spa, a ski room, and a lobby with a bar area and restaurant. For the interiors, Claudio Saverino and Tiziano Vudafieri were inspired by the alpine landscape and local buildings. In this linear and contemporary architectural context, there are modern reinterpretations of traditional elements, like the enclosures of interwoven branches in the lobby decorations or the typical artisan carpets in the custom-made wallpaper. The materials speak of vernacular architecture: stone, fir and larch wood, and white plaster recount the intertwining of man and nature and the Montafoner Haus, the traditional valley building and an archetypal symbol of man’s refuge in the mountains. The color palette is also tied to the local traditions: the colors were selected taking inspiration from three-stage farming, an ancient technique that alternated the crops sown in winter, fall and spring. The common areas are thus brought to life by spring and summer nuances, alternating greens, blues, and natural tones. The rooms are modulated on a fall palette, juxtaposing reds, oranges and yellows with wood tones. 

For the restyling project of the historic Carlyle Brera hotel, now the Urban Hive, Vudafieri-Saverino Partners was again inspired by the setting: in the heart of one of the most bohemian neighborhoods of the city, the hotel aims to recall that mix of flair, art and creativity that made Brera the first Italian district of design. The redevelopment of the structure involved the 97 rooms and suites, the common areas and the general concept, in order to create a new social hub that serves as a point of reference and exchange between guests and residents. The interior design features the symbols of the city – from the Madonnina to the Bar Basso – and that refined and timeless elegance typical of Milan. The lobby was designed as the nerve center of the hotel, a place of meeting between guests and citizens, in which a light oak parquet floor, soft lighting, bookshelves and design objects convey the warmth of a home. The spaces were designed with goals of flexibility and circularity: the breakfast mezzanine becomes a co-working space in mid-morning and the hall transforms fluidly into a lounge bar and event space. 

The redefinition of the rooms left space for the expressive freedom of the architects, who designed all the furnishings. A particularly impactful choice was of the color palette – terracotta pink, mint green and light blue – which alternates for each floor and contrasts the curtain and textiles to combine, through design, the creative and business souls that give life to Milan.

two hotels in completely different contexts share a celebration of their architectural and landscape setting and the same approach to design.

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Santi Caleca, courtesy of Vudafieri-Saverino Partners

Urban Hive Hotel

Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon - Courtesy Falkensteiner

The architecture is spread over four levels and takes advantage of the mountain slope, with two buildings that branch out like wings from a central core.

Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon - Santi Caleca, courtesy of Vudafieri-Saverino Partners

The reception area features fir wood paneling, a contemporary interpretation of traditional local elements.

Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon - Santi Caleca, courtesy of Vudafieri-Saverino Part

The materials of vernacular architecture – wood, stone, white plaster – recall typical local buildings, the Montafoner Haus.

Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon - Santi Caleca, courtesy of Vudafieri-Saverino Partners

In the restaurant area, decorative and dividing elements echo the woven branch fences and wooden slats typical of valley barns.

Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon - Soft and harmonious shapes

For the bathrooms of the Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon, the architects saw Duravit’s sink and toilet solutions as the response to their needs and esthetic visions. In particular, the built-in sinks from the D-Code series in white ceramic, designed by sieger design, were chosen. The D-Code collection is characterized by soft and fluid shapes that adapt to every bathroom setting harmoniously.

Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon - Courtesy Falkensteiner

Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon - Santi Caleca, courtesy of Vudafieri-Saverino Partners

On the street level, next to the reception, is the wellness area and spa extending 1,400 sq. m, an oasis of relaxation with large windows from which to enjoy the mountain views.

Urban Hive Hotel

The rooms were modulated on three different color palettes – terracotta pink, mint green and light blue – that alternate between floors.

Urban Hive Hotel

The claddings, fabrics, and furnishings of the rooms were chosen to convey the dual soul of Milan’s Brera district, combining the world of business with that of art and creativity.

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