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It all started with a vision. When Bolzano businessman Ulrich Ladurner hired Matteo Thun to redevelop the old mountain hotel on Monte San Vigilio, near Merano in northern Italy, he was already clear about what needed to be done. The translation of that foresight and clarity of vision into the conception and execution of the Vigilius Mountain Resort project was remarkable. And today the hotel is celebrating its 20th birthday.
From the outset, Ladurner saw how, in that location, the building had enormous untapped potential. Matteo Thun was fully onboard with his client’s vision after his first survey of the site, bringing to the project a shared love of Monte San Vigilio and the awareness that, in this setting, the architecture shouldn’t be overbearing, but silent and respectful, and therefore complement nature and the magic of its silence.
The Vigilius Mountain Resort, the first accommodation facility that Matteo Thun designed, is more than just a high-end hotel since it embodies the harmony between humans and their environment. From the earliest days of the project, the architect embraced a philosophy of coexistence with nature, using locally sourced materials and sustainable practices to create a structure that blends seamlessly into the mountain landscape.
The clean, minimalist lines of the building harmonize with the local topography, while the façades with local wood cladding create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. And timber was the main material used to build the hotel, not only creating a timeless beauty, but also reducing its ecological footprint. From the roof beams to the interior walls, Thun skillfully integrated wood into the structure of the building, creating an enveloping atmosphere that recalls the Alpine tradition.
Besides its beauty, the Vigilius Mountain Resort is an example of environmental sustainability. It uses renewable energy, including geothermal sources, to minimize its environmental footprint. Its day-to-day operation also includes careful management of water resources and the promotion of sustainable mobility through the use of electric vehicles.
The Vigilius Mountain Resort is not only a model of carefully considered sustainable design but also a place dedicated to wellbeing and rejuvenation. The fact that the structure can only be reached by cable car is in itself a strong message to guests that they should step back from the frenzy of modern life and slow down the pace.
Conceived as a refuge for recharging e your batteries, the hotel offers a wide range of services that integrate perfectly with outdoor activities in the Alpine landscape. Among the hotel’s facilities, its spa and wellness center is outstanding. It was recently modernized by Bolzano studio Biquadra with lead architect Christina Biasi-von Berg, who assisted Thun on the original project and today oversees the maintenance of the hotel.
After 20 years of operation, the Vigilius Mountain Resort continues to embody the values of sustainability, innovation, and wellbeing that have made it an icon of Alpine hospitality. Through its commitment to environmental protection and creating unique experiences for its guests, the hotel provides hope for a future where humans and nature can coexist.
Location: Lana, Alto Adige, Italy
Completion: 2004
Architect: Matteo Thun
Photography by Tobias Kaser, courtesy of Matteo Thun
