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Lake House Völs in Italy by noa* network of architecture

Designed by noa* network of architecture, Lake House Völs located in Fiè allo Sciliar, South Tyrol, Italy

Project description by architect: It was the famed jump into the deep end: at the idyllic Völser Weiher lake in South Tyrol, noa* merged a modern design concept with well-loved tradition to deliver architecture that works in harmony with nature.

Amid a spectacular mountain backdrop lined with lush green pine forests, the Völser Weiher lake lies over 1,000 meters above sea level. The idyll here is palpable: a scenic nature reserve that offers year-round visitors space for relaxation and leisure. noa* was commissioned by the municipality of Völs to build a small, attractive swimming hut with attached public changing rooms and sanitary facilities that would complement the scenic setting.

a lake side house in the mountains of Italy image © Alex Filz

Too small and no longer fit for purpose, the existing old kiosk was getting on in years and was lacking proper accessible facilities for the disabled. The popular destination for outdoor excursions, particularly amongst the locals, whether a refreshing swim in summer or ice skating in winter, was to be given a fresh, contemporary makeover. The old facility was demolished to create space for a new chapter in which architecture could combine with its surroundings in a harmonious whole.

lake side house surrounded with nature image © Alex Filz

EXTENDING A WARM WELCOME

To keep the facility’s scale discreet and small in order to blend in with its special surroundings, noa* designed two compact structures with a restrained cubature that are connected along a transverse axis.
The main building, a new snack-bar with a classic saddle roof, contains a part closed, part open kitchen and counter where food and drinks are served. It expands into an open loggia and terrace, with sweeping views over the lake and newly designed bathing area.

Ground Floor Plan Ground Floor Plan 

The transverse axis that connects the two buildings is defined by an open recess with a wooden folding element. The recess functions as second counter where bathers, pedestrians, and cyclists can purchase small refreshments, ice cream, and food. The recess also acts a clever partition, so the loggia and terrace area can be kept comfortably quiet, while simultaneously enabling quick and easy self-service for guests.

Upper Floor Plan Upper Floor Plan 

CREATING PLACES

The second building structure is a separate cube connected to the snack-bar, which is dedicated to its public function and together with the main building forms a tight ensemble both architecturally and functionally.
It is here that the sanitary facilities meet accessibility requirements and provide changing rooms for enthusiastic leisure athletes such as swimmers or ice skaters. In the facilities’ centre, there is a small open atrium with changing rooms for guests and lockers specially made by local craft businesses. The atrium offers a glimpse of the skyline to signal an inviting welcome for bathers and hikers. In these public accessible premises, a robust resin trowel technology was selected that can both withstand the wear and tear of skates as well as ensure safety on a wet floor. To blend in with the natural environment, the architects’ interior design focuses on a strong visual harmonization between the indoors and outdoors. Green was chosen as the base colour for the floor, walls and ceiling, with different shades helping to create an ambience of flowing continuation of nature.

coffeeshop with wooden structure image © Alex Filz

BECOMING ONE

The floor and vertical surfaces add another unique feature to the lakeside facility: to plant the architecture firmly within its’ location, noa* incorporated a traditional South Tyrolean lace pattern into the resin filler. The motifs were briefly pressed into the damp resin and quickly removed to create an irregular, three-dimensional effect. These 3D patterns, sometimes more, and sometimes less readily apparent, add a special visual flair and a touch of spontaneity. While the main building exudes a characteristic presence and is roughly equal in size to the old structure, noa* created a concept in which the other volume takes a back seat optically. The wooden frame construction along the transverse axis, which connects the two facility buildings, also acts as a support structure for climbing plants. Within a few months, the planned fast-growing jasmine will envelop the changing rooms in natural, green foliage. When viewed from the lake, the greenery will make the building disappear into its’ surroundings.

wooden wallsimage © Alex Filz

PARTICIPATE

The ensemble lies in a unique natural landscape and offers beautifully framed perspectives of views of the lake, forest and mountain. The specially selected, untreated larch wood facade will be left to its natural fate - slowly changing as it’s exposed to the elements over time. The newly built bathing jetties, made with wood from the surrounding forests, branch out and dissolve into the lake, guiding visitors from the buildings into the water. Meanwhile, the less-than-conspicuous architecture highlights the flora, giving it space to gently insert itself. Every element of the project demonstrates noa’s* commitment to handling natural environments responsibly and with care while remaining true to their architectural standards. Between the freshly laid rows of reed and the new area for children, the contemporary design creates space for nature lovers to soak up the serenity in a rendezvous with nature.

cabin house in mountains image © Alex Filz

wooden house with wooden deck by lake in a mountain in Italy image © Alex Filz

Lake House Völs in Italy by noa* network of architectureimage © Alex Filz

wooden house in forest image © Alex Filz

wood facade image © Alex Filz

wooden walls image © Alex Filz

house with wooden structure image © Alex Filz

lockers at interior fo the coffee shop image © Alex Filz

bathroom with melanic washing basins image © Alex Filz

circular mirror and metallic washing basins image © Alex Filz

water drops on wall image © Alex Filz

toilets with wooden doors image © Alex Filz

dressing room with lockers image © Alex Filz

sunlight hitting the wooden walls image © Alex Filz

reflection of the sun in lake image © Alex Filz

forest mountain with lake image © Alex Filz

cabin at lake side in the forest mountain in Italy image © Alex Filz

cabin house surrounded by pine trees at forest image © Alex Filz

East Elevation East Elevation 

North Elevation North Elevation 

South Elevation South Elevation 

West Elevation West Elevation 

 

 

Project name: Lake House Völs 

Architecture firm: noa* network of architecture

Interior design: noa* network of architecture

Intervention: Demolition and new construction

Location: Fiè allo Sciliar, South Tyrol, Italy

Surface rea: 120 m²

Volume: 330 m³

Completion year: 2019

Photography: Alex Filz

Client: Municipality of Fiè

Text: Barbara Jahn-Rösel

Translation: Marianne Lehnis


By Naser Nader Ibrahim

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