ENGLISH TEXTS

IN A CHALET AT KITZBÜHEL, IN THE AUSTRIAN ALPS, A CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATION OF THE LOCAL TRADITION.

Alpine architecture, with a contemporary spirit that takes tradition into account, without falling into reductive clichés. To borrow a term from the world of cuisine, we might call it “nouvelle montagne”. This chalet at Kitzbühel is a good example. The rooms are ample, spacious, creating free, linear settings for elegant but essential furnishings. «In this chalet there is no mountain vernacular», says Michele Bönan, the and has architect been the interiors. reinterpreted behind «The the Alpine for structure sophis- style ticated Bönan’s operation contemporary is subtle, tastes». incorporating various signs and hints of the past without disrupting an up-to-date image. The architect has totally reconstructed an existing building, but he has also used antique materials and the typical forms and details of local dwellings, such as the large white and green doors. The chalet has an extraordinary view of the surrounding panorama, and an area of 1,000 square meters. «It is very big, but extremely cozy», Bönan points out. The residence has four levels, with a double living area and five bedrooms, as well as a spa, a sauna and a Turkish bath, and a 40-meter swimming pool. Inside and out, the style reflects a precise lexicon. «I have designed all the furnishings», says the architect, including the antique larch paneling, the comfortable white sofas covered in shearling, and the panels of the master bedroom with their contrast between raffia and red borders. Everything embodies an idea of total design, including the linens specially made by local artisans, in perfect tune with the Austrian spirit and the refinement of the winter resort of Kitzbühel.