Embedded in Nature
Parc Hotel Florian, Siusi, Italy noa* network of architecture, Italy
When architecture takes on the vibrancy and rich diversity of nature, it will never be perceived as alien. As part of a special hotel project, noa* has incorporated design features that will evoke memories, dreams and perhaps, a touch of adventure in every guest. For many years the cosy guest rooms of Parc Hotel Florian, situated at the foothills of the Italian Dolomites in the village of Siusi allo Sciliar, has been providing the perfect year- round holiday experience. Besides an idyllic pond and an outdoor pool, a unique feature of this property is the magnificent park where you are encouraged to linger among ancient trees.
The complex has recently been expanded with 10 brand new suites in a standalone building, which connects to the existing structure, providing both a sense of continuity and a fresh perspective with a distinctive architectural language.
The architects were commissioned to enhance the design of the hotel, which meant confronting a complex building situation. On the one hand, the pride of the hotel— its unique grounds— had to be preserved in an optimal way. On the other, the immediate surroundings, with adjacent single- family residences, car park and the hotel itself, produced a building site that required a lot of tact and sensitivity.
BECOMING PART OF IT
At the outset, the idea was to separate the building with the new suites from the original site in order to leave the grounds untouched and occupy as little space as possible. A building at ground level would have resulted in the loss of a sizeable portion of the grounds. But the idea was not just a row of rooms door to door, but an orderly grouping of intimate, self- contained tree houses elevated on three- metre- high supports, leaving the grounds fully accessible underneath. At the same time, there was a growing desire not only to accommodate guests in the new suites in the park, but to allow them to be a part of it.
During the design process the park became the central theme of the architecture, thoroughly embedding the building within the nature, as if it had always been there. The intellectual concept of tree houses began to take shape: At the end of the connecting walkway that forms the backbone of the new development is the twostorey structure containing the suites, with five rooms on each floor, all of which overlook the park. In order to make the architectural complex
even more dynamic, the rooms are located above each other at a slight angle, creating the impression of a natural, grown structure while preserving the views. Guests have the sensation of being ensconced in their own little house. Despite this architectural openness, the appearance of the whole building is preserved, as it nestles into the park landscape. This is anchored by a pre- grey wooden façade, which confers a degree of uniform tranquillity to the unique cluster of tree houses.
GENTLE FUSION
The new ‘ Floris Green Suites’ are no less spectacular inside than they are outside. The conventional living, bedroom and bathroom areas have been reimagined in an unusual way. The central living area opens out onto a sheltered balcony overlooking the magnificent mountain scenery, a benefit also afforded by the glass bedroom. Everything is confluent: Rooms, functionality, exterior and interior. Only the toilet and bidet have been designed as a self- contained unit. A free- standing vanity unit with mirror, which can also be used as a console desk, provides a pivotal point. This is where the bathroom area merges into the living area, which has been wonderfully designed with hybrid furniture.
The most intimate area is located at the far end of the suite where the entrance is. Here an open shower is elegantly flanked on one side by the self- contained toilet and bidet unit, and on the other by a small, private Finnish sauna, which guests can use whenever they wish. In addition to the many views and vistas, there is another highlight that makes a stay in the Green Suite irresistible— an open patio with an outdoor hot tub, which complements the sauna in an exceptionally appealing way.
The interior decor is designed around subdued green interspersed with shades of grey, adding to the tree- house ambience Underpinning the overall concept are the fabric covers, tiles and painted surfaces, which help to merge the inside and outside. The smoked oak flooring, fittings and bathroom units in a restrained shade of black blend in harmoniously.
BECOMING ONE
Expansive horizons, casual openness and personal freedom are the defining undertones in this project, in every sense. The unhemmed patio provides a private, open retreat, as does the external terrace area, which is bordered by apertures through which the newly planted tall trees grow and where you can sink back and relax in a hammock- like mesh. Planters on the balconies and terraces enhance the natural ambience. Various architectural openings create unique lighting moods.
The coherent interior colour concept, the consistency of architectural touches such as the soffits of the suites clad in larch wood, and the discreet but deliberate irregularities of the tree houses enhance the quality of stay for guests at the Florian Hotel. The enthusiasm of the architects is palpable in every detail and will find its resonance in visitors, who despite of the new structure will be able to take full advantage of the park, which has been the guiding principle for this project from the very beginning.