DEAR studio adapts old hay barns into modern larch log-clad hotel in italian alps

Residence Ambros extends Hotel Jaufentalerhof

DEAR Studio’s extension of Hotel Jaufentalerhof in northern Italy reimagines the traditional local hay barns found on the region’s steep mountain slopes with a contemporary twist. Titled Residence Ambros, the cluster adapts these barns to the hotel’s requirements, forging a charming fusion between South Tyrolean tradition and modern alpine living. The development comprises two interconnected three-story structures with gable roofs, wrapped in larch logs arranged in rhythmic overlapping layers, shielding floor-to-ceiling glass facades situated behind it. The intertwining of the locally sourced tree trunks, with every second horizontal trunk omitted, creates a monolithic yet permeable edifice.

all images courtesy of DEAR Studio

DEAR Studio honors heritage with local materials

Residence Ambros derives its name from the hotel owner’s great-grandfather, Dunja Girtler, an influential figure in the Jaufental valley. DEAR Studio’s design concept likewise seeks to pay tribute to this memory through architectural features by looking to the region’s heritage. The adapted structure, which was originally employed for hay drying using natural ventilation, now offers comfort and refuge for hotel guests, offering unobstructed mountain views from all rooms and crafting scenic panoramas.

Within the twelve 30 square meter rooms and two attic suites, the architects’ interior design concept seeks to imbue a sense of nature indoors and foster a cozy yet sleek ambiance. The primary focus was on employing locally sourced materials, and the curtain fabric features Loden, a typical Tyrolean wool, in a dark green reminiscent of fir trees. The larch wood used for floors and furnishings hails from the neighboring valley, while the washbasins are crafted from local porphyry stone.

DEAR Studio extends Hotel Jaufentalerhof with Residence Ambros

reimagining the region’s traditional hay barns with a contemporary twist

the arrangement of locally sourced tree trunks creates a monolithic yet permeable edifice

concealing floor-to-ceiling glass facades behind

unobstructed mountain views from all rooms

the curtain fabric features a typical Tyrolean wool in a dark green reminiscent of fir trees to bring nature inside

the development comprises two interconnected three-story structures with gable roofs

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project info:

name: Residence Ambros at Hotel Jaufentalerhof
architecture: DEAR Studio
lead architect: Arch. Gschnell Manuel

location: Northern Italy

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom