Curated by ArchiRev Editorial | Feature Story | Published July 14th, 2026 | Source: Snøhetta
Project Details
Architect: Snøhetta
Location: South Tyrol, Italy
Typologies: Hospitality, Hotel, Adaptive Reuse, Heritage Restoration
Themes: Adaptive Reuse, Heritage Conservation, Hospitality Design, Landscape Integration, Sustainability, Alpine Architecture
Status: Design
Client: Mount Srl
Historic hotels may not only be valuable for their architecture because they preserve the cultural history of a place through the landscapes of their heritage. The Grand Hotel in South Tyrol represents such an approach, using an architectural solution that respects the heritage of the place without freezing it in time. The design project, which was developed by the architects of Snøhetta, offers the restoration of the existing landmark and the addition of the modern elements that would help it to become a modern hospitality site. Thus, the restoration of the place and its further expansion are two goals that were achieved within one architectural project.
As a hotel located in the mountainous landscape of South Tyrol, it has been functioning as a tourist attraction for many years. The intervention acknowledges the fact that the most valuable thing about its architecture is not only the building but also the connection between it and the landscape around.
Existing historic hotel and proposed expansion © Snøhetta
This starts with the preservation of the old Grand Hotel and preserving the identity of the Grand Hotel by upgrading it to make it fit for the current time without compromising its architecture. Old facades, important interior areas, and proportioning are preserved where possible in order to preserve the identity of the landmark despite the inclusion of new programs.
Rather than copying the architecture of the historic buildings, the addition of modern architecture creates a conversation with the existing building. The simplicity of their expression helps differentiate the two while still creating an architecturally coherent design.
Contemporary extension integrated into the historic complex © Snøhetta
The new volumes have been wisely placed to follow the natural lines of the site, thus making it possible for the addition to become an integral part of the Alpine landscape. Rather than imposing themselves upon the existing heritage structure, these additions gradually unfold across the site, ensuring the preservation of important vistas as well as minimizing their presence visually. This composition enables the original building to maintain its importance while at the same time serving as supplementary elements. This approach is an excellent example of how the presence of new architecture could support existing heritage structures.
Landscape integration and arrival experience © Snøhetta
Arrival takes place in the form of a sequence of landscapes, paths, terraces, and public areas that slowly unveil the hotel against the background of the mountains. The process focuses on moving through nature prior to reaching the building, thus emphasizing the relationship between architecture and its environment. Public gathering places, gardens, and lookout spots promote interaction with the landscape in an effort to see it not only from the window but also as a part of the experience. This movement turns out to be a way of meeting the region.
Interior hospitality spaces © Snøhetta
In the revived hotel, interior spaces blend traditional values with modern comfort. Existing architectural elements are retained with respect while additions create flexibility, improved functionality, and materiality appropriate for contemporary uses.
The use of natural materials, an abundance of daylight, and consciously composed views create interior spaces that are timeless and hospitable, permitting the guest to appreciate the history of the building without sacrificing contemporary sensibilities. The interplay of interior and exterior is essential to the entire project. Abundant openings and common areas keep the connection with the external environment unbroken.
Guest suites and panoramic views © Snøhetta
The guest rooms have been planned to provide maximum privacy while celebrating the beautiful natural setting of the site. The rooms and suites have been oriented in such a way that there are breathtaking views of the mountain ranges around, making the change in seasons, climate, and light an important part of the whole hospitality experience. It does not depend on any decorative excesses but gets its richness from proportions and materials and changes in the landscape. In this way the building recedes and becomes more about the experience of the place.
Sustainability and landscape strategy © Snøhetta
Environmental sensitivity influences the proposal in the form of adapting the existing structure, thus minimizing demolition needs and adding life to the building. The incorporation of new construction into the environment limits the destruction of the ecological system, while well-thought-through environmental approaches help in creating the resilience of the development. It becomes clear that conservation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand in the modern hospitality architecture. It creates a hotel that acknowledges its past while looking into its future.
Twilight perspective of the completed hotel © Snøhetta
The example of the Grand Hotel in South Tyrol is an excellent case where the process of restoration has been done skillfully without destroying the historical character of the building. In this project, by the means of careful interplay between contemporary architecture, landscape, and conservation of heritage, Snøhetta develops a hospitality venue where the concept of location always remains at the core of each design decision. Instead of showing the past as the element to be preserved just as it was, the project enables the history to develop together with the present.