Set against the backdrop of the Dolomites at an altitude of 1,450 metres on the Maranza plateau in Rio Pusteria, Bolzano, Hotel Familiamus is a five-star family hotel with an elegant and sustainable design. Created by the Dejaco + Partner studio, the hotel’s design adheres to special laws of harmony informed by the surrounding landscape. Its flowing silhouette evokes the tongue of a glacier, while the interior reflects Alpine traditions in the choice of a combination of wood and stone. By contrast, the design of the exterior embraces modernity and innovation with glass extending around almost the entire perimeter of the façade. “I had fun creating this original and harmonious shape, drawing inspiration from the South Tyrolean landscape with its mountains, glaciers and avalanches. It’s a form that not only pleases the eye and blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape but is also highly functional,” says architect Ralf Dejaco. The 70 guest rooms, which are meticulously designed to accommodate families, receive plenty of sunlight and feature outdoor balconies with panoramic views of the Isarco Valley, the majestic Sass de Putia and the Pusteria Valley. For the owners, the Nestl family, the warm welcome offered by Familiamus reflects the South Tyrolean tradition, which aims to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. “It’s a magical place, which creates happiness and makes children’s eyes light up!” comments Claudine Holstein, co-founder of the G22 Projects architecture firm which designed the interiors. “When working on a family hotel, the needs of both children and parents must be taken into account, and spaces must be safe, functional and comfortable for all family members,” Holstein explains. To promote learning and creative activities, a more than 1,000 square-metre area devoted to children and teenagers features workshops, playrooms, a gym and sports tracks, all of which are designed to encourage exploration and incorporate furnishings that prioritise functionality and practicality. On the top floor, a large panoramic terrace houses the infinity pool and whirlpool baths. The interior of the hotel features a Family Wellness area, complete with swimming pools, slides, a sauna and a relaxation zone. “Eco-compatibility and safety criteria guided the choice of materials, leading to the use of natural, sustainable and recyclable solutions,” continues the architect. Specifically, the choice fell on porcelain stoneware from COEM’s Cottocemento series, which complies with the ISO 17889-1 sustainability standard. Offering a contemporary reinterpretation of concrete, this collection was installed in a custom colour and various formats and finishes, including Exterior, throughout most of the common areas and in the indoor swimming pool zone. The Porfirica series in the colour grey was selected for the pool surfaces, including those in outdoor spaces, its design reminiscent of natural stone with luminous fragments and vivid colours. The Dot series from Fioranese, in the Deco version inspired by Brutalist concrete was used to tile the walls of the family bathrooms. Adding a touch of playful originality, the tubular slides connecting the upper hotel floors to the ground floor allow children to enjoy a fun descent without using the stairs or lifts. Returning to sustainability, Familiamus is class A CasaClima certified and uses renewable energy sources for heating.
