Chesa al Parc

Close to the Italian border north of the Bernina Pass in the Val Bernina is the idyllic, tranquil mountain village of Pontresina with its population of around 2,200. The famous lines of the "Rhätische Bahn in der Landschaft Albula und Bernina" are the highest narrow-gauge railway lines in Europe and are among the steepest adhesion railways in the world. It is therefore not surprising that the railway lines, which are over 100 years old, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to the mild and dry climate, the municipality is particularly popular with nature-loving tourists and sports enthusiasts. Here they can go hiking, mountain climbing, walking, but also cycling, skating and golfing. Holidaymakers can refresh themselves on hot days at the surrounding lakes or enjoy the view of the omnipresent Piz Bernina peak - the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps - during a walk.

On the edge of the large Saratz Park in the village centre of Pontresina, Stricker Architekten designed the chalet Alpine Lodge "Chesa al Parc" with an unobstructed view of the surrounding mountain scenery. On the site of a former residential building from the 1970s, the new six-storey building is based on the size, shape and location of the aging previous building. The planners respectfully translated the traditional alpine architectural language into modern terms. A filigree-looking wooden cladding characterises the appearance of the holiday home. While the building appears closed on the street side due to the tightly fitted, vertically arranged larch wood slats, the façade opens up on the slope side with increasing distances between the elements. he partially concealed windows - hardly noticeable during the day - are skilfully set off by illuminated rooms when it gets dark.

Inside, too, the varied façade design on the four living levels creates a delightful interplay of light and shade. The 70 to 150 m2 holiday flats offer spacious accommodation for two to eight holidaymakers. Large, floor-to-ceiling windows and an L-shaped balcony allow for bright, naturally lit rooms and references to the surrounding nature. Exposed concrete ceilings and walls clad in Swiss stone pine harmonise with the dark oak parquet flooring in the rooms. The Formpark parquet elements are laid in a button pattern and shimmer differently depending on the incidence of light. the harmonious material concept runs through all the rooms and, together with the likewise light-coloured solid wood furniture, creates a cosy, warm atmosphere. The bathrooms in the flats, on the other hand, form a striking colour contrast: Turquoise mosaic tiles on the walls stand out against the grey, large-format floor tiles. A spa area on the ground floor allows holidaymakers to relax and unwind. Direct access to the outdoor area with wooden deck, loungers, seating and shower allows guests to enjoy an impressive view of the surrounding Val Roseg and Piz Julier mountains. Pontresin's promenade is only a few minutes' walk away. Here, numerous restaurants, small shops, children's playgrounds and an adventure pool round off the leisure facilities in the Swiss spa town.