Imagine walking into a room full of building blocks, vivid colours and joyful music. What do you feel? A sense of lightness, perhaps a small tingle of anticipation? Or do you just think: Right, where shall I start with all this? Maybe just allow your imagination to run wild and use them to build a house? After all, playing isn’t just for children. Play is also a valuable resource in our adult lives, but it’s so easily forgotten among all the pressure and stress. Even the great thinkers knew of the power of play. As Albert Einstein said: “Play is the highest form of research.” And actually, we learn, grow and continually discover new things by playing. It opens our eyes to unexpected possibilities and helps us to stay creative and flexible. With a playful approach, we can develop to reach our true potential. We allow ourselves to push, experiment, fail and learn – without the fear of making mistakes.
Playing means freedom. Freedom to rediscover yourself, see the world with new eyes and liberate yourself from everyday obligations. It allows us to be creative, develop new ideas and even engage in lateral thinking. It’s an invitation to not take life so seriously all the time and let go of any inner pressure. In this issue of THE Stylemate, we look at playful architecture and new designs in Milan that simply bring joy thanks to their creativity. We also visited Palermo to see fashion designer Mattia Piazza, who sparks joy with his work. And on that note: let’s all play a bit more.
Thomas Holzleithner & Hardy Egger EDITORS
HELLO, ALMA
The organic appearance of the Alma armchair from SOFACOMPANY is inspired by the random distribution of pebbles on the beach. Its asymmetrical backrest and large cushion tempt you to take a seat and relax. Alma is available in two standard versions and can also be furnished with a number of other covers on request. The Danish brand SOFACOMPANY has set itself the target of making high-quality design accessible for all. This is made possible thanks to a unique concept that sees the entire product life cycle – from design to manufacturing to sales – managed in-house.
sofacompany.com | Alma armchair, from € 649
DESIGN TIED TO TRADITION
Every piece of wool that goes on to become part of a Geba rug is washed in a mountain stream, then carded by hand and spun to make yarn. The Vintage Aubergine rug, designed by Harald Geba, takes classic elements of a rug and reinvents them. Elevated embellishments in the finest Chinese silk adorn a basis made from the wool of Tibetan highland sheep. The distinctive shimmer of the silk brings the rug to life. The respectful handling of our planet’s resources is a huge concern of the Geba rug gallery. All Geba rugs are knotted in partner workshops in Nepal, where great value is placed on fair trade conditions.
geba-teppich.com, Vintage Aubergine, 240 x 170 cm, € 5,420
PRECARIOUS BALANCE
This vase collection by Éric Hibelot for Bosa represents the language of the French designer, which is composed of sculptural codes, simple graphics and saturated colours: a particular style that features rounded forms in a precarious balance, a passion for flat colours – especially blue – and the contrast between matt and shiny effects. The size and frequency of the rounded shapes varies according to the size of the vase and define an abstract design that resembles the phases of the moon.
bosatrade.com | Lune Rousse by Bosa, from approx. € 240
SOMETIMES THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO ADD
The CLEA Suspended appears to float in the room: the pendant light with a circular shade is available in three sizes, and thanks to its 4-metre cable, it is also the perfect option for high ceilings. Blown opal glass creates a soft light, while three colours – including the “Feel Jade” Sustainable Colour from the COLORNETWORK – promise refined design just how you want it.
weverducre.com/clea | CLEA Suspended, from € 264
SPIN-OFF
As a spin-off from the VitraHaus Loft installation by Sabine Marcelis, Vitra is launching two products by Danish designer Verner Panton as limited editions: the Panton Chair Classic in curated colours and the Visiona Stool in a range of coverings. The Sabine Marcelis Edition 2024 is available in seven colours that the Dutch artist and designer used in the décor for the VitraHaus. The Panton Chair is one of the great classics of furniture design. Anyone that wants one of the 50 pieces being made will need to be quick.
The new Lustra floor lamp by Ethimo shows that a timeless material like wrought iron can keep being reinterpreted to enrich a modern setting and demonstrate sustainability. Based on this long tradition, Ethimo and Luca Nichetto made their own assessment of wrought iron and gave it a new image. The floor lamp stands out thanks to its theatrical effect and natural elegance, which it also owes to its height (two metres) and slender silhouette. It is a metre in diameter and has a cap made out of blown glass.
ethimo.com | Lustra floor lamp, on request
As children, playing is an important part of our lives. It helps us to discover the world, develop social skills and express our creativity.
Why does that have to change when we become adults?
Text: Nina Prehofer
The fact that adults also want to play is shown in the popularity of immersive experience rooms. Escape rooms, virtual reality games and theme parks give adults the chance to immerse themselves in foreign worlds or at least a ball pool, and in doing so they can leave everyday life at the door. Some of these activities encourage problem-solving skills, teamwork and are a welcome escape from the day to day. VR experiences like The Void and Zero Latency offer adventure that teaches us to work together, think outside the box and challenge ourselves.
In adulthood, playing is often dismissed as trivial or childish. But numerous studies have shown that playful activities offer wide-ranging benefits that go far beyond simple fun. Playing promotes mental agility, strengthens social bonds and helps to reduce stress. It’s also an excellent opportunity to promote creativity and acquire new skills. Renowned play researcher Dr Stuart Brown summarises it perfectly: “Playing isn’t just vital for children, it’s also a significant resource for adults.”
This is the slogan of the Olympic Games 2024, which are taking place in Paris for the third time. Sport is an important form of playing and should ideally still be part of adult life. Be it football, tennis or golf – the playful element of sport doesn’t just result in physical fitness, it also has emotional and social advantages. Sporting activities promote team spirit, perseverance and the ability to deal with winning and losing. This is especially noticeable at the Olympic Games, where athletes don’t just compete for medals, they also celebrate the spirit of sporting competition and fair play. Sports psychologist Dr Jens Kleinert comments: “The Olympic Games are a great example of how sport brings people together and encourages the playful spirit in adults.”
The principle of playing can also be transferred beautifully to architecture and interior design. Playful designs create spaces that inspire and spark joy. They encourage you to stop, explore and feel good. The designs by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels stand out thanks to their creative and unconventional elements that often appear playful. The Superkilen project in Copenhagen is a public park that invites people of all ages to play and discover through its colourful, interactive elements and sculptures.
OR “GAMES WIDE OPEN”
“OUVRONS GRAND LES JEUX”
The furniture and concepts by designer Patricia Urquiola are vibrant, playful and tempt you to try them out. In her current collection for Moroso, the vivid colours and unusual shapes instantly capture your gaze, and they can also turn your home into a creative playground. Playful design takes us to a deeper emotional level and reminds us of our childhood, a time of carefree joy and limitless creativity. In an often serious and stressful world, designs like these ensure variety that refreshes our brains.
AND WHAT ABOUT
A relationship that allows room for humour, play and lightness is often happier and more stable. Small playful gestures, shared adventure and laughing together strengthen the bond and create unforgettable moments. Relationship expert Dr John Gottman highlights the importance of humour and playful interactions in partnerships: “Couples who play and laugh together are often more resilient to challenges in life and build a deeper emotional connection.”
These photos are from IKONO Vienna, a space that takes you on a multisensory journey through eclectic realms. ikono.global/en/vienna
LOVE?
Playing is much more than just a childhood activity. It is an essential component of human life, helping us to remain creative, reduce stress and strengthen social bonds. Be it through immersive experiences, sporting activities, playful relationships or inspirational designs, playing keeps us young and lively. “Playing is life’s fountain of youth,” says psychologist Dr Jane Adams. In a world that is often hectic and sombre, we need to remind ourselves not to lose our playfulness. It allows us to see the world with new eyes, tackle problems with ease and enjoy life to the fullest extent possible. So let’s play – not just as children, but for a lifetime.
Inclined towards the
South Tyrol is one of the most exciting wine regions in Europe. What makes this region so unique?
The climate here features Alpine conditions at night with the warmth of the Mediterranean during the day. Located on the southern slopes of the main Alpine ridge, Tramin benefits from getting the sun – morning sun on our side of the valley and evening sun on the other. The warm southerly wind from Lake Garda, known as the Ora, also blows through our vineyards, with huge benefits for the health of the grapes. And there’s another influential factor: behind our site, the mountains rise right up to over 2,000 metres – like the Roen, our local mountain. This in turn causes cool winds to descend, which also have beneficial effects: the cold air flows down the slopes, also reaching seemingly insignificant dips and the terroir. This results in microclimates that are essential for the ripening process of the grapes. The descending winds are a stroke of luck primarily for our white grape varieties, as they react best to these kinds of temperature swings.
The Cantina Tramin vineyards are located at an elevation of between 250 and 850 metres. What kind of soil can be found here?
The soil is very similar on both sides of the valley: calcareous soil forms the uppermost layer, followed by sandstone, known as the Werfen Formation. Under that there is porphyry, an igneous rock. Depending on the incline, there is also a proportion of limestone, clay and gravel. Incidentally, due to the soil’s capacity to hold water, we can plant our vineyards with greenery to stabilise the soil and ensure the microbiology is good.
Epokale has been a white wine icon since 2009 and is stored in a former mine. Why there, of all places – and what do you expect from the 2017 vintage, which will be released this year?
Epokale is a real rarity – a Gewürztraminer that has excellent potential for storage thanks to its structure. Initially, we considered storing Epokale at the hut on the Ortler mountain at around 3,000 metres above sea level, but we would have had to heat it because winter temperatures at this altitude are well below zero. Eventually, we came across the Ridanna Monteneve mine at around 2,000 metres. Epokale is stored there in the ideal conditions: a constant 11 degrees, 95% humidity, total tranquillity! Our 2017 vintage might develop with the same finesse of the 2015, a slightly warmer vintage with a more fruity, floral bouquet. I’m really excited!
special
Why is Cantina Tramin organised as a cooperative and which inimitable wines have been created under your supervision?
The tradition of the viticultural cooperative in South Tyrol dates back to the 19th century – when they had the worst possible conditions for winemaking. The cooperative united what was then an agricultural sector with minimal structure comprising mainly wine and fruit growing. The winegrowers are now able to process and market their grapes and secure an income collectively. The Tramin winegrowing cooperative, founded in 1898, is essentially still working in this way today. We are closely connected, work flexibly, efficiently and quickly like a small private winery and in doing so create other wonderful wines, like Nussbaumer Gewürztraminer, Stoan Cuvée and Troy, which is powerfully elegant but also has incredibly fresh and mineral notes.
Epokale is intended to be the flavoursome focal point of a dinner. Which dish would it go best with?
I personally would enjoy Epokale in summer, chilled, just on its own! (laughs) But an example of a really interesting accompaniment is semolina! It’s a traditional and cheap meal that’s prepared in a pan – with versions ranging from slightly savoury to slightly sweet. It also goes well with rhubarb compote, also not too sweet… it’s a great combination!
TRAMIN IN SOUTH TYROL IS THE HOME OF GEWÜRZTRAMINER. THERE ARE
PEOPLE HERE WHO CAN PERFECTLY MASTER THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN THE MEDITERRANEAN-LIKE CLIMATE AND VITICULTURE STEEPED IN TRADITION. ONE OF THESE PEOPLE IS WILLI STÜRZ. AS THE CELLAR MASTER AT CANTINA TRAMIN, HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CREATING BIG WINES – LIKE EPOKALE, WHICH IN 2009 WAS THE FIRST ITALIAN WHITE WINE TO BE AWARDED 100 PARKER POINTS. HERE, WE DISCUSS THE PARTICULARITIES OF THIS WINEGROWING REGION AND RATHER UNUSUAL PLACES TO STORE WINE.
cantinatramin.it/en
Text: Nina
Prehofer
Sabine Marcelis, a Dutch designer with a feel for colour and shape, has created an installation on the top floor of the VitraHaus that opens up new perspectives on living. To do this, she adopted a strict colour scheme and reinterpreted two iconic Vitra products by Danish designer Verner Panton.
“The philosophy behind the design closely mirrors how we created our family home,” explains Marcelis. Her collaboration with the Vitra Design Museum in 2022 on the Colour Rush! installation inspired her to use colour in a targeted way to define spaces. The result is a large open space divided into functional zones, each clearly delineated by colour. Marcelis blended her own creations with those of other designers, artists and of course Vitra furniture to create a cohesive whole.
In the VitraHaus Loft, Marcelis gives an impressive demonstration of how colour and design can be used in harmony. Till Weber, Creative Director Interiors & Scenography at Vitra, emphasises that the Loft is the perfect canvas to display the diversity of Vitra furniture. “We can mix and match furniture for the characters that live within it. The tones and hues
Sabine has used are recognisable from the natural, organic world and they have a rich interaction with the various spaces,” explains Weber.
This design achieves a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes the Loft feel less like an installation and more like a real home. When entering the Loft, visitors are greeted by a cool mint green palette for the spacious living room. Here, you can make yourself comfortable in a lounge pit created by Marcelis using Jasper Morrison’s Soft Modular Sofa. “This sofa system is generally used to create L shapes, and we’ve just merged it all to form this enveloping pit,” she explains. The lounge pit is the ideal place to relax and offers visitors the chance to enjoy projected films and views of the area around them. “I think it’s so important to have a good lounge. I have a lounge pit at home as well, and it’s the core of the house. It’s so good to just jump in there,” enthuses Marcelis.
IMAGINE STEPPING OUT OF A LIFT AND INTO A ROOM THAT IMMEDIATELY APPEALS TO YOUR SENSES: A HUGE, MINT GREEN LIVING ROOM THAT’S DESIGNED IN SUCH AN INVITING AND INNOVATIVE WAY THAT YOU FEEL AT HOME RIGHT AWAY. THIS IS THE VITRAHAUS LOFT BY SABINE MARCELIS, LIVING PROOF OF HOW COLOURFUL AND CREATIVE DESIGN CAN REVOLUTIONISE OUR UNDERSTANDING OF LIVING SPACES.
LIVE HOW WE
COULD
The seven key colours used in the space each have a big impact. For example, a delicate pink accentuates the light-filled bathroom, where a dusky pink bathroom cabinet made out of onyx attracts the light and your attention. “The colours used in the VitraHaus Loft are personal favourites,” says Marcelis. “I like these colours and never tire of them, which makes them timeless for me. I think this attitude is important for anyone creating their own home.”
Another highlight of her work is the reinterpretation of two iconic Vitra products by Danish designer Verner Panton: the Panton Chair Classic (1959) and the Visiona Stool (1970). These new editions in seven different colours can be found in the VitraHaus Loft and were also on sale in limited quantities. “For the Visiona Stool, in addition to the seven hues, there are also different covers, ranging from furry to leather, giving each piece a very distinct personality,” explains Marcelis.
Christian Grosen, Vitra’s Chief Design Officer, encouraged Marcelis to be daring with her interpretations of Panton’s classics. “She showed how a true classic continues to remain compelling in 2024,” he says. The Panton Chair Classic echoes the 1960s and the innovative production techniques of the period that allowed its construction, and at the same time it’s more relevant and present than ever –especially in Sabine Marcelis’ colours.
“The design is an interesting reflection of modern times – her colours change the perception of the chair – and makes us see it in a new way,” adds Grosen.
In creating the VitraHaus Loft, Marcelis also brought in artworks and design elements from far beyond the world of Vitra. Pieces by artists like Maria Pratts, Johnny Mae Hauser and Carlijn Jacobs, whom Marcelis recently collaborated with at FOAM Amsterdam, are included in the mix along with Ehsan Morshed, a Berlin-based artist and pattern designer, whose special edition VitraHaus Loft printed bedsheets are also on sale at the VitraHaus as a special edition.
The VitraHaus Loft by Sabine Marcelis shows how considered design and creative colour schemes can transform living. It is a place where furniture and art coexist in harmony and create inviting spaces that are both aesthetically appealing and functional. This is how we could live –inspired, colourful and bursting with personality.
vitra.com
“THE
COLOURS USED IN THE VITRAHAUS LOFT ARE PERSONAL FAVOURITES,” SAYS MARCELIS. “I LIKE THESE COLOURS AND NEVER TIRE OF THEM, WHICH MAKES THEM TIMELESS FOR ME. I THINK THIS ATTITUDE IS IMPORTANT FOR ANYONE CREATING THEIR OWN HOME.”
PLAYING
DREAMING OF THE SEA, LOOKING UP INTO THE NIGHT SKY, THINKING OF DAYS GONE BY, TRAVELLING
DIVING INTO THE BLUE WATER,
FRANZOBEL is an Austrian writer. He has published numerous plays, works of prose and poems. His plays have been produced in countries including Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Denmark, France, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Italy, Russia and the USA.
His great historical adventure novel “Das Floß der Medusa” (published by Zsolnay) was awarded the Bayerischer Buchpreis (Bavarian Book Award) 2017 and was on the shortlist for the German Book Prize 2017.
“The organisers of the Olympic Games have of course known for a long time that not all athletes spend their free time reading the bible and doing crosswords.”
At the Swedish furniture giant, there was once a children’s bed with the decidedly suggestive name “Gutvik”. A name that wouldn’t be all that appropriate for the beds in the Olympic village for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The beds there were made out of cardboard – the reason cited for this was sustainability – but, as the New York Post put it, weren’t suitable for witnessing any distance events. The beds were intended to encourage social distancing and thwart any opportunity for contact outside the stadiums.
The organisers of the Olympic Games have of course known for a long time that not all athletes spend their free time reading the bible and doing crosswords. The conditions for a general readiness to pair off are excellent: young, toned, testosterone-charged bodies whose nervous systems are crying out for a break. All school ski trips are a gathering of single autistic people by contrast. Because of the pandemic, the Games in Tokyo wanted to dash the chances of any overly intimate liaisons. After all, you don’t want thousands of baby Olympians being born the following spring. As a precaution, 160,000 condoms were distributed – the reason for this being that they should be taken home by the athletes to spread the message of safe sex. How many of them burst like water bombs, we’ll never know. People have a tendency to play, and that’s a good thing.
Back to the beds. They looked like they were from Ikea, but were made out of the packaging materials. None of the nails, but all of the nailing. Apparently, they were fine for anyone weighing up to 200 kg. Enough for a small exercise in rhythmic gymnastics, but a kama sutra-based love affair between a Mongolian shot-putter and an African hammer thrower should be avoided at all costs. Well-padded athletes, like the judoka from Guam who was given the name Little Mountain when they became the heaviest ever Olympian at 218 kilos in 2012, must also have found these cardboard beds quite the turn-off.
Nowhere is the phrase “It’s the taking part that counts” as true as in erotic close combat.
Because the beds made out of recycled materials proved to be so good four years ago, they will also be used this year in Paris. The condoms will still be handed out because, as the organisers know, people like to play.
Are the athletes happy about it? The medals need to clang and, because the organisers can’t rely on the beds to stop people, there will be a lot of grinding at these Games – and not just the teeth of nervous viewers watching on TV. A mixed eight with a cox, for some the king of all disciplines, isn’t exempt in these cases. However, in Paris the most frequently practised non-Olympic event will again be fornication, with the focus on being at the heart of the action, not just taking part. Let’s hope things are stiff enough. Have fun. Perhaps an alternative medal table will be published in the New York Post
And for you reading this at home, enjoy your bed, with its proper wooden frame and a mattress and duvet that aren’t made out of cardboard. People are curious, lustful and playful, but the fact that it’s exactly that that the organisers of the Games want to prevent is somehow kinky in itself. Nevertheless, have a good Games! May the best athletes win.
athletics Mattress
FRANZOBEL
Selection
Blessed with its own beach on the cosmopolitan Greek island, THE WILD offers privacy and seclusion, the new luxury that we’re craving these days when we travel. Perched on the side of a cliff, the hotel looks out over the deep blue water of the Aegean and a small cove that was once the home of the “wild ones”, the fearless fishermen of Mykonos.
THE WILD HOTEL Greece / Mykonos / Kalafati Stylish on the outside, wild at heart. Find out more on p. 9.
+ )
Pfösl Nature Hotel, Deutschnofen (LH 03) Hotel des Horlogers, Le Brassus (LH 04)
Puradies, Leogang (LH 05)
Hofergut, Riscone (LH 06)
Pleta de Mar , Canyamel (LH 07)
ElisabethHotel, Mayrhofen (LH 08)
The Wild, Mykonos (LH 09)
Küglerhof, Dorf Tirol bei Meran (LH 10)
Seegut Zeppelin, Friedrichshafen (LH 11)
Sublime Comporta, Comporta (LH 12)
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BALE/ ISTRIA Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
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things
THREE is the magic number
Our nature hotel in Deutschnofen, in the beautiful region of South Tyrol, is situated at an altitude of 1,375 metres amid a spectacular landscape, with 35 hectares of meadows and forests plus a unique view of the surrounding Dolomites.
The Pfösl Regeneration 360° holiday concept goes far beyond well-being and opens up new pathways that mentally and physically strengthen and inspire on a deeper level.
Gentle movement in nature, mental and physical relaxation, regeneration in the 35-degree Sole infinity pool or in the new, refreshing biopool and in the numerous saunas in the 2,000-square-metre indoor and outdoor natural spa, as well as the regional and seasonal natural cuisine have a balancing impact, imparting long-term strength and having a sustainable effect.
THREE SPECIAL EXPERIENCES:
The weekly bread making course with Eva and Brigitte, using flour from the hotel’s own field. After being flavoured to your liking, the loaves are baked in the old stone oven.
The donkey hikes through pristine nature with your own donkey. The animals are sociable, assertive and docile, and convey patience and serenity to their companions.
The Pfösl nature sauna was built by hand on the edge of the forest and comprises a dome covered with blankets and a fire pit with stones. It is an extraordinary experience to sit on the ground in the dark here, to listen to the trickling of the water and to observe the glow of the burning aromatic herbs.
It has to be the three Pfösl Eco Lofts. The stylish units built using spruce and arolla pine are located in the garden on the edge of the forest, and provide an exclusive setting on two floors with an unrivalled panoramic view. On the ground floor, there is a sleeping area with a handmade Simmons Natural Heritage mattress with cotton and sheep’s wool from the Villnösser Brillenschaf breed of sheep in South Tyrol. An open staircase leads to the cosy living area with a spectacular view of the Dolomites. The private terrace features a sauna or an infrared cabin and a private garden.
THE PFÖSL PHILOSOPHY IN THREE SENTENCES:
THE THREE BEST ROOMS:
PFÖSL NATURE HOTEL Italy / South Tyrol / Deutschnofen
All good
come in threes, so the saying goes. Among these good things is the trio of hosts at the Pfösl nature hotel. Brigitte, Eva and Daniel have created an oasis of well-being with a holistic concept in South Tyrol, near Bolzano. The complex is located on a high plateau and surrounded by meadows and forests. It is framed by the three Dolomite peaks Schlern, Rosengarten and Latemar. Nature, mindfulness and indulgence are the main priorities at the Pfösl. How fitting that the number three also represents perfection.
PFÖSL NATURE HOTEL Italy / South Tyrol / Deutschnofen pfoesl.it
Hotel complex with a holistic concept on
high plateau in the Dolomites boasting
panoramic view.
Taking a walk in the forest is an essential activity here. Thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows, the Hotel des Horlogers doesn’t just provide countless panoramic views of the surrounding sea of pine trees, you also discover sculptures made out of branches and oversized truffles. With the culinary Table des Horlogers, you then press a little deeper into the forest. Guests are even invited to take off their shoes to feel the ground strewn with moss and twigs beneath their bare feet. On the table there are tree trunk slices and pine cones, plus the five-course Carte Blanche menu by top chef Emmanuel Renaut, which uses ingredients provided by the forest. The fish comes from the surrounding lakes, the meat and cheese from the local area, the vegetables come from the garden and the bread and chocolate are homemade. Between two and ten guests gather around a large table here three evenings a week to savour this special experience with all their senses. Inspiration comes from the picturesque landscape: the Swiss valley known for its watchmaking industry is surrounded by the almost mystical Risoud forest.
Tell us about the forest, Monsieur Emmanuel Renaut
Forest
Feast
Lifestylehotels: What fascinates you about the forest?
Emmanuel Renaut: The wealth of nature, which provides me with inspiration when putting together the menu in the restaurant.
Lifestylehotels: How do you feel when you’re surrounded by trees?
Emmanuel Renaut: In the peacefulness of the forest, I’m able to recharge my batteries. It’s where you feel a real connection with nature and with yourself.
Lifestylehotels: What’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever experienced in the forest?
Emmanuel Renaut: Encountering the animals that live there: the deer, stags, chamois. It’s always magical to see them.
Lifestylehotels: What happens when strangers eat together at the same table?
Emmanuel Renaut: All of the couples who have met and eaten here have had things in common – and at the end of their culinary walk in the forest, they have left as friends.
Lifestylehotels: Which dishes and drinks are typically on the menu?
Emmanuel Renaut: All of our dishes vary according to the season and are always a surprise for our guests. In terms of drinks, we have a signature cocktail, the Kir Sapin – a local version of the Kir Royale, with or without alcohol.
Lifestylehotels: Which woodland ingredients do you serve up?
Emmanuel Renaut: Wild garlic, chives, flowers, fir tips, mushrooms… We’re fortunate to have a lot of ingredients here that we can cook in a variety of ways.
Lifestylehotels: How do you prepare a glass of Kir Sapin?
Emmanuel Renaut: You need a fir tip syrup (like the one from Le Sirupier de Berne) and a sparkling Brut (like one from Cave de la Crausaz). Pour 10 ml of the syrup into a goblet glass, add 100 ml of the sparkling wine and mix. Serve chilled
Photos: Hôtel des Horlogers; Emmanuel Renaut
HOTEL DES HORLOGERS
/ Vallée de Joux / Le Brassus
Modern hotel with avantgarde zig-zag architecture and sculptural elements in the valley of watchmakers, surrounded by forests, meadows and lakes.
HOTEL DES HORLOGERS Switzerland / Vallée de Joux / Le Brassus
FOMO – are you familiar with this buzzword? It’s short for “fear of missing out”, a phenomenon that likes to strike in everyday life and sometimes even makes an appearance on holiday. With the constant anxiety of missing out on something, we end up missing where the journey should actually be taking us: far away from stress and to-do lists. Luckily, however, there are places that ensure you don’t have to go without. The Puradies nature resort in Leogang is one such place. Here, it’s OK to not try every sauna or to skip breakfast because you’re so cosy tucked up in bed. And despite this, or perhaps because of it, you return home fulfilled. Why is that?
There’s nothing to miss
The Puradies is situated in the heart of nature, secluded, in the sunniest spot in Leogang. There are no cars beeping their horns here, no crowds and no neighbours. Without any background noise, you can focus much more clearly on what’s important – on yourself and the people you’re travelling with, and on experiencing the magic of the small things, like how it feels to run barefoot through the grass.
A jam-packed schedule, one that permanently tempts you and constantly has you making decisions – sounds pretty stressful. But you obviously don’t need to spend your time at the Puradies being bored, either. There’s enough to do if you want to do it. Be it yoga, the petting zoo, the library, a bike ride or a meditation session, a carefully curated programme ensures variety, of course, but mainly it guarantees tranquillity and relaxation. IN BALANCE
RESPECTFUL
At the Puradies, nature, agriculture, animals and people receive the attention they need. For three generations, the Madreiters have lovingly looked after their mountain farm and their guests. So you can confidently hit pause on social media for a couple of days, the Instagram photos can be uploaded later!
HARMONIOUS
Whether in the historic farmhouse, the added suites or the chalets, the architecture here aligns with nature. The neutral colour palette, the natural materials and the green roofs ensure harmony, and that is passed on to guests. Farewell overstimulation!
COCOONED
You’ll find everything you need to spend a few relaxing days, but most of all to spend time with yourself in a protective space. A mini paradise, so to speak, that you’ll never want to leave.
/ Salzburg / Leogang
PURADIES Austria / Salzburg / Leogang puradies.com
Divine nature resort with a hotel, farm and chalets in a peaceful location on a sunny plateau, surrounded by the Leoganger Steinbergen.
Hello! Buongiorno!
Even as a child, she was welcomed by the guests at her parents’ establishment with a glass of schnapps in their hands. As a born and bred “Puschtrerin” [someone from Pustertal] and with experience in hospitality, Gudrun Huber now runs the Hofergut in her South Tyrolean homeland. With a great deal of passion and enthusiasm, she looks after both her guests and the almost 1,000-year-old property. She’s like the Fairy Godmother of the building. We asked her about where the walls express their historic charm, which collector’s items are hidden here and what she takes out of the smokehouse at night, plus much more.
HOFERGUT Italy / South Tyrol / Riscone hofergut.com Refurbished property in South Tyrol dating back to 1085 boasting historic charm and modern comforts.
Lifestylehotels: How do you greet guests at the Hofergut?
Gudrun Huber: With heartfelt words, a bit of German, a bit of Italian – as is customary in South Tyrol – and of course full of joy at being able to show our guests this beautiful building.
Lifestylehotels: The Hofergut is a historic property – where in the building in particular can you sense its almost 1,000-year-old history?
Gudrun Huber: The thick walls and the beautiful arches in the entrance hall speak volumes and allow everyone to think about who might have come in and out of here. The arches and the lounge are listed and it’s great to make such historic treasures accessible to a wider audience.
Lifestylehotels: A mix of old and new –how did you manage to breathe new life into the listed building and still maintain its charm?
Gudrun Huber: The guiding principle was to return the Hofergut to its former glory –both in terms of its outward appearance and its materials. The façades and walls were plastered with lime, the windows are made out of spruce, the floors are natural stone and knotted oak and the tabletops in the rooms are made in larch. The colour palette is deliberately subtle. The result is a minimalist aesthetic that still has a strong impact.
Lifestylehotels: There are many collector’s items and artworks around the hotel – which do you like in particular?
Gudrun Huber: The hotel has so much to offer, such as the Exlibris collection belonging to the grandfather of the family who owned it. I personally love the windows with the two arches and the stone pillars. For me, it’s like a wonderful painting that changes every day. The old Gothic door is also a masterpiece of dreams. I would love to know who’s turned that handle.
Lifestylehotels: You sneak into the smokehouse at night – which treats do you take from the Honesty Bar and why?
Gudrun Huber: At the end of a busy day, that’s like a holiday for me. I get a good bottle of South Tyrolean wine and a couple of slices of local ham – it’s never too late for that!
Lifestylehotels: The Hofergut is located in the Pustertal in South Tyrol. What makes the region so charming?
Gudrun Huber: The Pustertal is our famous green valley. The Hofergut is embedded in this natural environment in the wide base of the valley and is surrounded by a captivating mountain landscape. As a real Puschtrerin, I am constantly delighted by the simplicity yet great variety of our landscape. Our UNESCO Natural World Heritage status and Alpine dolce vita make a superb combination. One of my favourite places is the beautiful Plätzwiese plateau. Just the best mountain panorama.
Lifestylehotels: You have already run several hotels. What makes this one so special for you?
Gudrun Huber: Yes, I have been lucky enough to get to know several great hotels in my career. The Hofergut is a beautiful, historic property with a unique atmosphere that deserves to be looked after with great attention to detail. Buildings like this are often not open for visitors. I try to run this gem of a hotel as if I owned it, with plenty of joy and dedication. Just the way I’d like to experience it if I were on holiday.
We’re on a cliff in northeast Mallorca, where the pristine landscape is characterised by turquoise sea, red rocks and moss green trees. This is where the island shows its wild side. The bays are picturesque and the sunrises are perhaps a little more vibrant than in other places. And in the middle of it all, surrounded by pine forests, olive groves and grassland, a sprawling resort connects respectfully with nature.
Imagine waking up in front of a work of art created by nature itself. The large windows in the light-filled rooms stretch right down to the floor so as to give the landscape the appropriate framing. Inside the buildings, natural materials like stone, pebbles, marble and bamboo predominate. You can shower out in the open air and swim in two saltwater pools in the idyllic garden. The architecture here is guided by nature.
for Maravillosa
The Mediterranean setting also inspires award-winning British chef Marc Fosh, who has been working in Spain for 20 years. In the Sa Pleta restaurant, he makes the most of produce from the Balearic Islands. He combines modern techniques with the ancient cooking method of using fire. Thanks to smoke and flames, vegetables, meat and fish are infused with unique flavours. This extraordinary culinary experience conveys the spirit of the Mediterranean through a food culture inspired by nature. Yum.
PLETA DE MAR Spain / Mallorca / Canyamel pletademar.com
Mediterranean sanctuary on the undisturbed northeast coast of Mallorca that is in tune with nature – for adults only.
MASTERPIECE OF NATURE
MEDITERRANEAN STYLE
MENU BY FOSH
A lot of beautiful things start with the letter M. You’ll come across a few of them at Pleta de Mar, and all of them will ensure you have a fabulous natural experience on a special island in the Mediterranean.
GUAT ZSAM
You can tell a lot about the ElisabethHotel from outside its two buildings: Tyrolean tradition and contemporary design are at one here. The original building with the usual gables, balconies and cut-outs greets guests with warmth, while the minimal, curved structure elegantly suggests that you move with the times. In the interior of the hotel in Mayrhofen, this symbiosis continues in all its splendour. You experience how old and new work together – “guat zsam”, as they might say in Tyrolean dialect.
“Like a heartfelt handshake or a warm welcome” – that’s how Sebastian Moigg from the ElisabethHotel describes the effect of wood. And there’s a lot of it here. Wood is a traditional material used in the region, and appears in the hotel in a number of different forms, as well as being used in a progressive way. The lounges with furniture are entirely clad in wood, the hallways have untreated oak flooring and scorched pine from the north side of old buildings can be found in the rooms and corridors.
Other traditional Alpine materials include the basalt stone wall in the indoor pool, the ancient-looking rock in the outdoor relaxation pool and the sheep’s wool used for the rug on the floor. “Ultimately, it should be obvious that we are still in Zillertal, even if a lot of it is modern,” says interior designer Reinhard Strasser, who worked on the interiors alongside local furniture store Wetscher from nearby Fügen. Reinhard Strasser was particularly pleased with the headboard for the beds. “The pleated look and the lighting concept really are quite special,” he comments.
Farmhouse tables, dressers and trunks are displayed alongside designer furniture by Minotti and Flexform. And of course it wouldn’t be complete without a pair of antlers – in Tyrol, some people think a house doesn’t become a home until there are antlers on the wall. In the ElisabethHotel, they hang over the fireplace in the cosy lobby, and on the walls are several works of art by Tyrolean artists. Elisabeth Moigg is behind the attentive decoration.
So when you walk across the wool rug, become transfixed by the grain of the old wood on the walls, run your hand over the carvings in the antique dressers, swim along the relief-like Basalt wall in the indoor pool, take a seat on an ornate wooden stool in the lounge and then finally sink into the comfy bed with its striking headboard, you’ll be able to absorb the special harmony of the ElisabethHotel. Mei schian [how great is that]!
Photos:
ElisabethHotel
Mayrhofen
ELISABETHHOTEL Austria / Tyrol / Mayrhofen
Into the
WILD
Mykonos is famed for its nightlife, but at The Wild you get to see a whole different side to the island. And a little of what its name suggests. Extending up the side of a cliff in terraces overlooking the Aegean Sea, the hotel merges into its rugged natural surroundings, anchored into the rock like a naturally formed amphitheatre. A long, narrow infinity pool frames the masterpiece. Stone steps lead to a private beach. And the interior is proof that brothers Alexandros and Filippos Varveris have inherited a feel for design – the Varveris family has also run the renowned Interni Moda Bagno interiors firm since the 1970s.
Natural materials, an earthy colour palette, handmade light fittings and baskets, bespoke designer furniture from their own shop, antiques and a special fragrance – the interior of The Wild is a love letter to modern design and ancient Greece: paradise with a delightfully wild side.
Terraced hotel on the south coast of Mykonos with a rustic design and natural beauty.
It’s really more like a living room than a luxury hotel: large sofas invite you to sit cosily all together with wine and pasta, exceptional works of art provide conversation starters and lovingly curated design accessories serve as eyecatching accents. Carefully selected light fixtures set the mood, while the abundant use of natural materials creates a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that is sure to have resulted in many a chance encounter. If you want to kick off your shoes or come down for a drink in your pyjamas, just go for it. Prefer playing a game of boccia in your heels? That’s fine, too! At the new Küglerhof, Karoline Dilitz has created a place that is both elegant and informal. We asked the owner of the hotel for her five favourite interior design pieces.
BEAUTIFULLY
COOL The Lumpur lamp from Sempre is made out of handwoven rattan and we bought it from Lebensraum Interior. I think it’s so cool! It gives a hint of Ibiza in the mountains.
CURVED
I came across the Bucati and Bucatini candle holders from the a.o.t. design studio in Copenhagen totally by chance. I ordered a few of them for the hotel and our hotel shop straight away.
COSY
You can sit on the Filiph sofas by Art Nova in total comfort and have a relaxed chat with other guests. This is where our wine tastings take place, and you can also sit here while you enjoy a snack.
designed
CONVIVIAL
In the restaurant, we now have two of the long Archie tables from Gommaire so guests can sit together and get to know each other.
CULTURED
This image hangs next to many others from our private hotel collection. It is a photograph by Merano artist Christian Martinelli, who passed away last year. We have several pieces by him and they have huge personal value for us.
( + )
KÜGLERHOF Italy / South Tyrol / Dorf Tirol kueglerhof.it
Laid-back hotel with art and design, slow food cuisine and abundant surrounding nature in the Merano region.
Photos: Gerd Eder, Davide Perbellini (a.o.t.)
Hotel complex with a historic villa and new modern buildings in a natural park, right on Lake Constance. ( + )
SEEGUT ZEPPELIN Germany / Lake Constance / Friedrichshafen seegut-zeppelin.de
Ten things to say about the newly opened Seegut
Zeppelin:
SUMMER RESORT
In 1908, Reutlingen-based textile manufacturer Gustav Gminder commissioned architect Theodor Fischer to build him a summer residence on Lake Constance. Today, the listed Villa Gminder, with its half-hipped roof, dormers and cupola, forms the heart of the Seegut Zeppelin.
ESTATE
As we all know, an estate comprises several buildings, and the Seegut Zeppelin estate is no different. The historic Villa Gminder is flanked by four modern blocks that have spruce façades. The new buildings also bear the names of the famous Zeppelin family: Ferdinand, Helena, Isabella and August.
ZEPPELIN
Speaking of the Zeppelin… It’s not that implausible to see one of the famous airships flying here. Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin began his success story in Friedrichshafen. He completed his first flight across Lake Constance and still to this day, the Zeppelins glide like oversized fish through the air – albeit for different reasons to before.
50 METRES
63, 64, 65 and splash! Lake Constance is just a stone’s throw from the group of buildings. Between 63 and 67 steps is all it takes to cover the 50 metres to the water’s edge with private lake access – and of course a few less if you run. On your marks, get set, go!
NATURAL
The Seegut is situated in a conservation area, meaning the responsible interaction with nature is an official requirement. Wild birds must be able to spend the winter here in peace and a part of the park that’s fenced off with wild shrubs is set aside for flora and fauna. Also on the premises is an orchard meadow and a herb garden.
NAMESAKE
Also in the park is an impressive black pine, which is sure to have seen a great number of bathers in its time. The Pinus restaurant at Villa Gminder was given the Latin name of the tree.
SHARING IS CARING
Meat takes a back seat at the Pinus restaurant, with vegetarian cuisine taking the spotlight. The dishes are also designed for sharing in order to promote togetherness while eating.
CONNECTED
The design prioritises natural materials in homage to the surroundings, as well as to history. Silver fir, oak, pebbles and chalk are used in equal measure with the half-linen invented by Gustav Gminder.
REGIONAL DESIGN
The 62 rooms and common areas are furnished with items from stores including Freifrau in Germany and Horgenglarus in Switzerland.
WELCOME
The hosts here are Sandra and Hendrik Fennel, whose sustainable concept for the hotel stood out during the tendering process. A couple of streets away, they also run the Hotel Maier.
Zeppelin x
It flickers, radiates heat, draws you closer, calms and connects – fire has a magical effect. It takes centre stage in the Food Circle at the Sublime Comporta hotel, where the gastronomic experience allows the chef’s table and Ofyr cooking unit to merge into one.
At the Food Circle, the experience starts in the resort’s organic garden, an oasis bursting with edible flowers, spicy peppers and aromatic thyme. In the centre of this botanical paradise is a rustic, sustainable restaurant with a panoramic view and an Ofyr cooking unit ablaze in the middle. Around the flames, an elegant round table and stools provide room for up to 14 people and ensure a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Several times a week in summer, this location becomes a meeting place for a special evening meal beneath the starry sky of Comporta –complete with background music and wine pairings.
Head chef Pedro Calhau, the creative mind behind the Food Circle, serves two different menus: fire and earth.
The fire menu is a culinary journey through Portugal, from north to south, including the Azores and the island of Madeira. This menu celebrates the variety of Portuguese produce and its traditional techniques. Examples of dishes are oysters from the Sado river with green apple
The earth menu, on the other hand, is entirely vegan and sources its ingredients from the hotel’s own organic garden. Leeks, tomatoes, flowers, aromatic herbs, conserves and spices are currently being used, taking guests on a voyage of discovery through Portugal.
“Fire is the ancient form of cooking, and there’s a bit of it in all of us. When we cook over fire at home, everyone sits around the fire, cooking, chatting and exchanging stories until late into the night – a fire brings people together. And that’s what the Food Circle does so incredibly well: it brings together 14 strangers. At the end of the evening, they all know each other, have shared a meal and learnt more about Portugal. All while sitting by the fire.”
The ancient art of cooking
SUBLIME COMPORTA Portugal / Alentejo / Comporta sublimecomporta.pt
and basil oil, red mullet and squid from Setúbal and violet prawns from Tavira in gazpacho, plus beef dishes from the north of Portugal with rice from Alcácer do Sal.
PEDRO CALHAU
I’M INTERESTED IN THE HERE AND NOW
Photos: Vanessa Beecroft
Mattia Piazza
Photos: Fabrizio Milazzo
What are you working on at the moment?
Mattia Piazza: We are currently working on next year’s summer collection for CASA PRETI, as well as focusing on various other things. One of the topics that will definitely be incorporated into the collection is the concept of the classics and its relationship to Sicilian fashion tradition and contemporary examples. We’re also working on the distribution of the CASA PRETI CARMINA 8/10 fashion film directed by Enrico Bellenghi, which presents the collection that will be on sale from September. We organised a performance with German director Marie-Zoe Buchholz for a Voguing event that took place during the Sicilia Queer FilmFest, and we’re also working on the possibility of getting a new space in Milan for September.
How did you start working in fashion and what inspired you to become a designer?
Mattia: I went into fashion out of a personal need for expression and often asked myself how this need might take shape. Fashion seemed to me to be the most suitable option and the one most closely aligned with my ideas. My music studies were certainly indispensable. When you study classical music, you have many rules and a structured approach available to you. From this setting, I then started studying design.
What role does your home city of Palermo play in your creative work and how does it influence your design?
Mattia: I think places educate us with images. But I don’t think I’m necessarily inspired by the places I live in, but rather by the feelings I have. I think Palermo has gained new strength, an international flair in recent years and that always leads me to rediscover myself in the city with its own stories, with its three-dimensionality, that doesn’t stay bound to its old form but instead manages to be contemporary. Also because, in the structure of my work, what’s important is what’s happening in the here and now. I’m not interested in the past or the future, but in the present. In my collections, the starting point is a historic bibliography, but this can’t be separated from what happens in life and in the feelings of the present. In my work, I try to incorporate the feeling, the political and cultural context of the present. Not least because I think we’re in a time when it’s of fundamental importance to give ourselves the chance to put forward new patterns and new visions in order to reach a new point from which people can start afresh. The concept of love, family and inclusion is always present in my work, because they’re themes that shape my ideas.
How do you describe the aesthetic and the style of CASA PRETI?
Mattia: Substantial, radical, serious, playful. The aesthetic of CASA PRETI is a synthesis of emotions. In a way, we strive for iconicity and try to stay in
the moment by paying attention to the various methods and processes within our production chain. We give ourselves the chance to take the right amount of time, a slowness, extreme respect and the desire to give even the customer, the people who work on our clothing, the time to experience a feeling between serenity and seriousness. One sentence I often have in mind is the idea that there is nothing more serious than a game.
What are your biggest sources of inspiration when developing a new collection?
Mattia: It’s all about stories, literature and design. I am a person who’s totally fascinated by all the people who have passed through this world. Especially in times of major crises, like the one we’re experiencing now. I find refuge in the big authors and artists of the classical period. I mostly get my inspiration from concepts rather than forms. I am extremely curious about and attentive to other things, and so the other things – meaning everything outside of myself – become a source of inspiration.
Which are your favourite materials to work with?
Mattia: My favourite materials are wool and cotton. Wool is my absolute favourite because it can take on different forms and because it changes depending on the type of stitch. I love fresh wool that achieves very fine weights, wool silk and cotton silk blends. It’s a material that makes me feel at home when I wear it.
How important are craftsmanship and traditional production methods for you?
Mattia: Tradition and respect for the people doing the work so that our clothes can be worn are of fundamental importance. I think in the past, sustainability was associated with working by hand and we’re rediscovering that now. We treat every one of our garments as if it were the only one – even though we only make a few anyway – and we respect the production of the previous year and the garments that worked out well. We are always conscious of treating people and our planet with respect.
What are the main challenges you have to face as a designer?
Mattia: All challenges play a significant role. I have to say that, in general, I think the reality around me is actually very inviting, compared with what I imagined at the start of my career. It’s really not that easy to always stay on track, to maintain fairness, sustainability and respect for every single step, which affects both production and the design. But I do think that for me as a designer, a deep sense of morality is the only option.
Is there a particular project or collection that you are especially proud of?
Mattia: In general, no, because all of them have given me the opportunity to communicate something. I’m grateful for all projects, and I can say there were
CASA PRETI
was founded in Palermo, Sicily, in 2017. Through reinterpretations of Sicilian couture, Mattia Piazza presents careful volume for timeless garments. Born in Palermo and having completed music studies in opera and classical guitar, Piazza studied fashion design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Palermo and has collaborated with various artists including Carla Chiarelli, La Rappresentante di Lista, Gabriele Salvatores and Vanessa Beecroft. CASA PRETI interprets elevated Sicilian couture for a future with more conscious and sustainable fashion. casa-preti.com
To finish: do you have any tips for a trip to Palermo?
than I could imagine. When we presented the AMA collection at a closed event during the pandemic, I could see how people were dancing to the music we’d chosen. It was a moment of deep sadness because the people couldn’t meet each other. For me, it was very emotional when, at the end of the fashion film, at the end of the screening, some people came out crying. So I think that a project is successful when a single person, just one, can interpret the actions that have been taken or find new ways of doing them.
What goals and visions do you have for the future of CASA PRETI?
Mattia: As I mentioned, I live very much in the present. I don’t like thinking about the future because the future doesn’t exist yet. And I love living my life in a way that means I can live it best. For CASA PRETI, I hope it always has the power to be strong for itself and to stand up for its beliefs.
Are there any trends or developments in the fashion world that particularly interest or inspire you?
Mattia: I have to say that in general, I don’t really think about what happens in the fashion world that much. I prefer to read and inform myself about geopolitical issues, emerging artists, new design situations, because I always think that to achieve good creative work, you have to fall back on experiences that have nothing to do with your own field. Anything related to the aspect of sustainability, the development of new textiles – I find these topics very interesting.
Mattia: You should definitely get lost in the city and allow yourself to be guided. One of the places I love to visit most is the Santa Caterina church, an old cloistered convent that can now be used and is a fascinating place, often giving me the opportunity to find a personal moment of relaxation. Then I would recommend stopping by CASA PRETI and spending some time with us. Finally, you should have a drink at OJDÅ – it’s a really interesting and entertaining place that offers the opportunity to encounter different realities and to connect with them.
Photos: Fabrizio
Milazzo, Altaroma
moments when I realised and had the feeling that what I was doing had a deeper meaning
Made-to-measure
Be it an idyllic country hotel or a trendy boutique hotel in an urban environment, the family company has built up a great number of references and an exceptional reputation over the last 90 years. Exclusivity, functionality and sustainability are the defining features of the projects they have completed. From concept, design,
hotels
SUSTAINABILITY AS A CORE VALUE
In all its projects, Voglauer places strong emphasis on environmentally friendly and sustainable methods. 70% of its energy requirements are covered by its own hydropower plant and a photovoltaic system, making the importance of sustainability for the company clear for all to see. Waste timber is reused in a thermally efficient way and only wood from sustainable forestry is used. Green management isn’t a buzzword here, it’s very much a reality.
planning and fit-out services to interior design, furniture and final installation on site, everything is provided from a single source. At the factory in Abtenau in the Salzburger Land region, you can draw inspiration from the vast materials and knowledge library. In the showroom, you learn how materials and fabrics become hotel furniture, and during a factory tour you’ll see how hotel furniture and furnishings are made. If you want to delve deeper, visit a workshop and get first-hand experience of what the future of interior design could look like based on your own project. “We want to cater to the wishes and ideas of our clients – and so it’s easier to visualise them, our design and architecture department drafts a few initial sketches. Using the hotel furniture, design details, materials and fabrics on display in the showcases, you can take it all in and make comparisons,” the company explains.
As a general contractor, you want to meet the highest standards of planning, implementation and supervision of hotel projects. For this purpose, the in-house design and architecture department develops a made-to-measure fit-out concept based on an in-depth needs assessment and creates a detailed, cost-transparent implantation plan. “Sticking to deadlines and maintaining high standards of quality are essentials for us. Experienced project managers personally ensure the seamless coordination of all trades thanks to work schedules that are well thought out and a corresponding logistics concept,” highlights Voglauer.
FLAGSHIP PROJECT AT WIENER WASSER
The project at the Hilton Vienna Waterfront was recently completed. Voglauer worked as general contractor to realise the interior fit-out of 365 rooms and all of the public areas. The result is an interesting mix of various textures, materials and colours. Petrol and terracotta combine with soft brown and grey tones to bring the proximity to the water visually into the rooms and lend them a modern Viennese sense of cosiness.
voglauer.com
The new
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THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS
Harmful substances enter the bloodstream via the mouth, nose and skin and impair organ function, often before symptoms appear. This state is commonly referred to as “sub-health syndrome” – a state between health and illness. Ayus BodyClearance® offers a solution to this problem. You cannot prevent the absorption of environmental toxins, but the therapy from Switzerland makes it possible to remove a large number of them from the body, including heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, benzene and solvents. The body’s own substances like fats, inflammatory markers and excess immunoglobulin are also removed. The advantages of this detoxification are numerous: from improving cognitive function and the immune system to supporting the cardiovascular system and metabolism and regulating the endocrine system.
detox
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schwarzschmied.com
parkhotelmondschein.com
villaarnica.it
1477reichhalter.com
Fine Design
Amid vineyards but still in the town centre of Lana is where you’ll find Villa Arnica. While the record player can be heard playing softly in the salotto, you move across restored old parquet and terrazzo flooring, and savour an aperitivo on the re-upholstered vintage sofas. No two rooms here are the same – each of them was designed individually by Biquadra from Merano. The former guesthouse rooms have been transformed into four double rooms, two superior suites, three junior suites and a suite with a freestanding bath.
Refurbished original furniture meets floral carpets and hand-picked design pieces. Globe lights with golden details and linen poufs provide visual highlights, while the bathrooms feature marble from Laas and Zucchetti fittings. In terms of colour, a palette of mustard, sage and terracotta tones dominates, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. The garden at the Villa is a refreshing oasis. A turquoise pool
stretches out among apple trees, palms and carefully planted herb and flower gardens. The striped bathrobes and pool towels boast a Riviera style designed by the AKOG Hotel Group in Munich, giving the pool area a nostalgic twist. Not far from Villa Arnica, at the 1477 Reichhalter you’ll be able to look back through over 500 years of history. Once a guesthouse, it has now been converted into a boutique hotel with great attention to detail, preserving the charm of days gone by. Architect Zeno Bampi and interior designer Christina von Berg succeeded in complementing the historic architecture with clean, modern lines. The eight individually designed rooms bear the names of former owners or are named after the trade that was once practised in the building, and they are adorned with artworks by Jasmine Deporta. Interior designer Christina von Berg has emphasised the unique backdrop with design classics and fabulous finds from the past.
HOTEL SCHWARZSCHMIED:
DESIGN IN HARMONY WITH NATURE
We move on in Lana and arrive at the Hotel Schwarzschmied. Nature is the main source of inspiration for the design here, an example of which is the new outdoor treatment spaces by designer Harry Thaler. The interplay between the form and the desire to avoid any standard cube shapes was an important aspect of the design process. The result is a steep pitched roof facing one way, and when all the cabins are put together, they form the letter M or W – letters that also appear in the name of the hotel. The large window on one side of each building affords a view of untamed nature, and at the same time, thanks to the opaque glazing, creates a sense of security, “as if you were in a cosy nest”, as Thaler describes it. The rooftop suites at the Schwarzschmied received the German Design Award. “The atmosphere in the rooms is elegant and homely; it’s as if they were made for the light emitted by my lamps. The natural materials and colours also align with my perception of beauty. It’s lovely to rediscover your creations in places where you feel at ease. And the Schwarzschmied is definitely one of those places. The environmental aspirations of the hotel and the host’s quest for authenticity and sustainability are very much in line with my own attitude to life. Among the huge range of anonymous wellness hotels available, the Schwarzschmied is a pleasant and successful exception,” says Thaler, who designed the LightNOLight lamps in the suites. The connection with nature is also expressed in the recently renovated rooms and suites in the main building. Light colours, lots of wood and minimalist design shape the interior, which was conceived by
Merano interior design studio Biquadra. The lamps by Harry Thaler and handwoven sheep’s wool rugs from the region lend the rooms a cosy yet elegant atmosphere.
OFF TO THE POOL
A hidden alleyway, a beautiful park and a building dating back to 1330 with white window shutters and elegant mouldings – that is the setting of the Parkhotel Mondschein. Originally constructed in the 14th century, the building that now houses the hotel was extended in 1890 in the Belle Époque style with wide corridors, high ceilings and mouldings. This is where coherence, minimalism and subtle elegance collide, another example of the work by Biquadra under the guidance of Christina von Berg. When choosing the colours, attention was paid to the history and location of the building, which led to the rooms being kept in soft green, grey and brown tones to reflect the mountain setting and create a cosy feel as soon as you walk in. For the furniture, the focus is on clean lines and high-quality dark wood, comfy upholstered beds and classic white lampshades. While the original herringbone parquet has been maintained and refurbished, the bathrooms have been totally redone. But here also, less is more: elegant white tiles, frameless mirrors and silver retro-style fittings fit into the design of the hotel effortlessly.
The new dark green tiled pool in the garden, also designed by Biquadra, is another highlight. Framed by terracotta flooring and harmoniously integrated into the overarching design of the hotel, it provides welcome refreshment on hot summer days and moments worthy of a film.
THIS YEAR’S SALONE DEL MOBILE IN MILAN SHOWED ITS PLAYFUL SIDE WITH THESE PIECES OF FURNITURE – LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!
WARMING
Take an atmospheric spot by the campfire with the Bonfire lighting sculpture by GRAU
ROUNDED
It’s a
FUL PLAY
LITERAL
C, A, S, A – do you know what that spells? The Chatty sofa by Atelier Biagetti for MCM WEARABLE CASA
COSY
The
ARCHITECTURAL
They look like little houses: the Bridges cabinets by Muller Van Severen for BD BARCELONA
classic: inspired by the stones on Lake Garda, the Supersassi sofa by Matteo Thun for ROSSI DI ALBIZZATE
more cushions the better, right? So why not make a sofa out of them: Pillo by Willo Perron for KNOLL
CREATED
The
ILLUMINATING
SETTLED
Can that really be comfortable? Absolutely! The narrow
or
DELICIOUS
They
and
like
Additional
MONUMENTAL
DESIGN
JOYFUL
handmade lights by ELISA UBERTI look like creatures
This luminous rope is made out of glass! Torsade by Stefania di Petrillo for SAINT LOUIS
DUAL
Have you ever seen such a beautiful ping pong table? Let’s have a game! Match by Martinelli Venezia for FENIX
Confetti for everyone! Following the spinning Spun armchair, In-Side is the second original design by Thomas Heatherwick for MAGIS
Classic architectural forms meet traditional joinery: the oak veneer Archi table by FRATELLI BOFFI
cushions can be turned into an armchair, daybed
stool.
System, from the 1960s, by Joe Colombo for TACCHINI
look
boiled sweets
will make your mouth water: the Lokum side tables by Sabine Marcelis for ACERBIS
PERFECTLY FORMED
“Hello
FRAGMENTED
VISIBLE
Colours
Photos: Manufacturer; Federico Cedrone; Lorenzo Cappellini Baio; Agnese Bedini; Andrea Ferrari; Francesco Dolfo; SergioChimenti; Matteo Lavazza
The moment a tree trunk is struck by the axe and split in two…
The AX stool by Alessandro Stabile for ZILIO
you can’t actually see?
The GUFRAM classic Cactus in Ultraviolet, Gammablue and Infrared
WILD
We’re going on safari! Twain by Konstantin Grcic for MAGIS
1970s” cries the design of the Dudet padded furniture range by Patricia Urquiola for CASSINA
GREEN
Are those cacti growing there?
Outdoor side table Helico
by Nicolò Morales for PAOLA LENTI
ABOVE THE ROOFTOPS OF VIENNA’S 3RD DISTRICT, MEZZA—MAISO HAS CREATED A TIMELESS PENTHOUSE WITH AN ECLECTIC STYLE AND ARTISTIC CRAFTSMANSHIP.
In addition to setting the stage for the view across the rooftops of Vienna’s 3rd district, it was extremely important to the clients to achieve a timeless, eclectic style that steers away from current trends in the course of the interior design of their penthouse apartment in a modern, inner-city building. They approached Mezza—Maiso in early 2023 with their initial ideas and requests, and the exclusively furnished penthouse apartment was scheduled to be ready to move into in April 2024.
The planning and design process of the configuration and features of the outer shell comprised all phases from concept and design to project management, tendering and on-site supervision.
The close collaboration with carefully chosen artisans and the opportunity to incorporate products from noteworthy international brands such as Minotti, Baxter, Antonio Lupi and Flos proved to be particularly exciting and stimulating. Meticulously selected collectibles complement the handcrafted furniture designed by Mezza—Maiso that features in the bathroom through to the kitchen.
Haute—Étage
MASTERSTROKE
Instead of standard industrial solutions, this high-quality residential project prioritises the use of custom-made pieces and a personalised style. The combination of items rich in historic value, like the prominent fireplace, a clear and linear design language and muted tones and natural materials ensures an atmosphere that is reminiscent more of an area of New York than Vienna. Colour accents like the glossy green marble of the fireplace and the bathroom and vibrant rugs and textiles create playful statements and ensure a relaxed experience.
Alongside its functionality and aesthetics, there’s another key area that’s certainly not lacking: sensory perception. The penthouse has been deliberately designed to be light and airy. The layout provides spaces that are large and open to accommodate relaxed conversation, as well as private, cosy corners to relax in. This creates specific lines of sight for interesting perspectives, and external and internal spaces can, where possible, flow almost seamlessly. This is Mezza–Maiso’s true masterstroke: where else can you live so free(spirited)ly in a major city?
Founded in Vienna in September 2021, Mezza—Maiso is an
With a carefully curated team of creative thinkers, interior designers, architects and specialists, founders Verena Wohlkönig and Jürgen Hamberger
