Prinz Chalet

• Merano
• 2024

• Accommodation

Prinz Chalet – Nature is smart!

The project Prinz 2.0 is located in Meran, in the Naif, between the existing hotel Prinz Rudolf and the campground Einsiedler.

The hotel owners had the wish to expand the hotel and wanted to offer their guests a new exciting alternative. The new structure is supposed to work independently from the hotel, but it is still connected with the main building in a functional way.

Therefore, seven chalets were built, where each one of them has its own entrance, parking lot and green space to use exclusively. The goal was to connect the new structures with the main building, even though they are physically separated from each other. This connection is managed by resuming architectural elements in the chalets and the outdoor space that is covered by greenery.

For these reasons, the chalets were placed in the green area between the hotel and the campground, in order to portray an element between the two areas that unites everything into a whole and  integrates itself into the surrounding apple orchards and woods.

The chalets have a rectangular floor plan and are oriented west. Vertical black wooden boards cover every volume in a geometric and uniform way. On the south-west corner, the volume is cut, in order to create a nice view along the Naif and to guarantee the best solar exposure. At the same time, the parts of the chalets that face north are completely closed to ensure privacy between the chalets and the street nearby. The buildings characteristics are rounded off corners, and every chalet is framed by one singular curved element along the terrace and the glass panels. This architectural choice, as well as the material of the facade, is a direct reference to the curved wing element that represents the hotel. The curves of the floor and ceiling on the north side of the terrace keep going into the interior and thus create a connection between outside and inside.

The base of the building is made of sheet metal that has a mirror effect, where the vegetation, in which the chalets are embedded, is reflected. It is made in a way that it seems the building and nature are coming together as one.

The interior design combines a royal and ironic style that reminds of the hotel, with elements of nature, such as the oak wood and the neutral colors of the living room and bedroom.

When stepping inside the chalet, you submerge into a monochrome petrol colored room, where the ceiling, walls and floor are colored. Integrated into the walls is the wardrobe and the entrance to the toilet, as well as the basin, the shower and a private sauna. Not only the color petrol in combination with satined gold details is supposed to reference the royal ambience, but also the choice of the arches, that form the frame for the landscape outside. From the point where the sauna is located, a vaulted glass window creates a line of sight towards the outside. A second arch connects the entrance area with the living room. At the same time, the arch becomes a functional element, because it includes the minibar and coffee niche right next to the table. All three sides of the living room/bedroom are connected through the curvature of the ceiling and floor, that are made out of oak wood. The tub is located in the curvature of the floor, with a direct line of sight to the outdoor space.

The curved element can be found in several pieces of furniture and details, such as the bench, table, nightstand and lamps.

The planning of the outdoor space integrates the existing trees in order to create a uniform sight. The inclusion of several different shrubs, with different heights, colors and leaves gives more movement and naturalness.

The whole speaks a coherent language, that connects and integrates itself in the natural surroundings of the hotel Prinz Rudolf.