Park Associati recently worked together with the Zurich studio Slik Architekten to design the new La Vetta residential building, part of a large real estate development in Andermatt, a ski resort in the heart of the Swiss Alpine passes.
The project is a reflection on the cultural common thread between traditional Italian and Swiss Alpine architectures and reinterprets traditional construction methods and materials – patterns and colours – with a contemporary twist. In particular, the architectures of Carlo Mollino and Edoardo Gellner are the inspiration for the design of the interiors.
Spread over the six floors of the building, the apartments of LA VETTA building feature different layouts, from three-room apartments to penthouses. The latter are located on the top floors and offer bright double-height environments overlooking the alpine landscape.
The carefully chosen materials, the study of three-colour palettes inspired by alpine vegetation and the design of custom-made furnishing elements create harmonious, sophisticated environments that blend a typically alpine atmosphere with the iconic shapes of great Italian design.
Wood, used for both flooring and panelling, is curved to smooth wall corners, thus creating unexpectedly soft, fluid spaces. Choosing the right type of wood and finish takes into account climatic as well as aesthetic factors.
All fixed furnishings – from bedroom storage to the kitchen units – were designed, as were the products – both furnishings and accessories – that convey the value of Italian craftsmanship: a pure expression of the lever concept, the Leva handle by Dnd is characterised by a sharp yet harmonious and comfortable style; the Tar-sio dining table produced by Rubinacci was designed by reinterpreting in a contemporary key the old craft of inlaying; the wooden chair by Potocco chosen for the dining area, while small in size does not compromise on comfort, thanks to its enveloping backrest and upholstered seat.
The attention paid to every project’s detail also covered the choice of furnishing elements, from textiles to accessories, which are a reference to the history of Italian design.
The building’s ground floor was reserved for communal areas and features full-height doors and windows that emphasise and expand the spaces, putting them in direct contact with the context of the new village.
The Ski Room and Bike Room are characterized by a high-tech contemporary touch through the use of materials such as steel and the rubber-coated non-slip flooring. Functionality does not however impair the aesthetic impact of these spaces, which are both technical and elegant, and feature wood-panelled walls that soften the perception of the environments. In the Fitness and Spa areas, on the other hand, a local Swiss stone was used for walls and floors to define a homogeneous and enveloping casing, completed by a ceiling coated with oak wood slats that generates a relaxing atmosphere.
To complete LA VETTA project, where great attention to detail was given to each single element, a wayfinding system was designed for the communal spaces, the signs’ graphics showing the paths and functions of the different areas.
