RVTK Residential Building: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity by Messner Architects

The RVTK Residential Building, designed by Messner Architects, stands as a testament to the seamless integration of traditional and contemporary architectural elements. Nestled on the south-facing slope of the Val Venosta Montesole Mountain in Schlanders, Italy, this family residence offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding vineyards, meadows, and forests. The renovation and expansion project, completed in 2023, transformed the original three-story house into a modern multi-family home with three apartment units, providing ample space, privacy, and stunning views for its residents.

Location and Context

The Picturesque Setting of Val Venosta

Situated above the market town of Silandro, the RVTK Residential Building benefits from its idyllic location on the warm, dry slopes of the Val Venosta Montesole Mountain. The valley below, stretching gracefully from east to west, is punctuated by alluvial fans and inclines gently towards the Resia Pass. On the opposite side, the Montetramontana mountain rises majestically, adorned with lush meadows and forests.

Architectural Heritage and Modern Adaptation

Originally built in 1978, the house featured a gabled roof, a semi-subterranean basement, and two upper floors. In 2020, the family decided to undertake a significant renovation and expansion to create three distinct apartment units. The project involved demolishing and reconstructing the attic floor, elevating it by half a story, and adding a roof deck to enhance the living space.

Renovation and Expansion

Structural Enhancements

The renovation process focused on restructuring the floor plans of the basement and first-floor apartments. This allowed for expanded living spaces and improved window openings, ensuring brighter, more open rooms. The new parking deck on the north side at the second-floor level provided additional parking and storage space, external access to the uppermost apartment, and roofing for the entrance and parking spaces on the first-floor level.

Modern Living Spaces

The basement apartment now boasts south-facing living areas with a loggia opening to the garden. The first-floor apartment features a living room that extends to a balcony on the south side and a weatherproof terrace on the west side. An exterior staircase connects the first floor to the garden, enhancing accessibility and outdoor living.

The Uppermost Apartment

The second-floor apartment, accessible via the north-side parking deck, offers a spacious living environment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a studio, and a generous living room with a kitchen. A standalone marble slate from the nearby Weißwasser Quarry in Lasa elegantly separates the entrance and living areas, adding a touch of local natural beauty to the design. The attic space and roof terrace, accessed via interior stairs, provide additional living and recreational space.

Design Elements

Facade and Materials

The vertical expansion of the building is characterized by a curtain wall facade with air space, crafted from Larchwood boards and folded raw aluminum elements. This design choice not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability and sustainability. The plastered building foundation supports the rehabilitated floors, maintaining the structural integrity of the original construction.

Indoor and Outdoor Harmony

The design of the RVTK Residential Building emphasizes the harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces. Generous windows on the south-facing facade open towards the Montetramontana mountain and the valley plain, flooding the interiors with natural light and offering spectacular views. Recesses in the facade create sheltered outdoor areas, including terraces, gardens, and loggias, ensuring each floor benefits from unique outdoor features.

Privacy and Open Spaces

Despite the multi-family nature of the building, the layout of open spaces and the thoughtful arrangement of facades guarantee privacy for all residents. The different generations living in the house can enjoy both communal areas and private retreats, making the RVTK Residential Building a versatile and comfortable home.

The RVTK Residential Building by Messner Architects is a remarkable example of how traditional architecture can be seamlessly blended with modern design elements. Through thoughtful renovation and expansion, the building now offers spacious, bright, and private living spaces with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The use of local materials, innovative design features, and the emphasis on indoor-outdoor harmony make this residential building a true architectural gem in the heart of Val Venosta.

All the photographs are work of Karina Castro