A wooden structure for high energy standards
Our Hotel TH Courmayeur is the protagonist of Antonia Solari's article which can be found in the first issue of 2022 of the magazine “Hotel Tomorrow”. Focus of the article on the construction works with low environmental impact and in compliance with eco-sustainable characteristics concluded in 2019.
The magazine details the challenges faced during the design and construction of the structure when trying to create a low environmental impact solution inspired by geometries that recall the surrounding mountain using materials such as wood, stone and aluminum. Here are some excerpts.
A difficult challenge, the one taken up by the architect Dominique Mazza, charged with carrying out the project for the new TH Courmayeur "a springboard to the stupendous scenery behind it, without invading it", confirms the architect, who continues: "insertion into the context has inevitably required integration and reinterpretation in key contemporary of traditional materials such as wood and stone, the latter also used in the more unusual form (but of which the surrounding nature is rich) of cyclopean boulders. However, the material that marks and characterizes the structure is modern aluminum. Not only does this material offer truly efficient constructive malleability and adaptability, but it also immediately conveys that idea of lightness that had to be conveyed at all costs in such a massive volume.
The white aluminium, which recalls the perennial snow of the context above, projects the building into contemporary architecture, conveys lightness, helps to create soft and clean lines. The wood on the façade, framed by the embrace of white, helps to convey a certain warmth to the structure, recalling the shapes of mountain chalets”. Last but not least, still with regard to integration with the surrounding area, the care for the greenery which involved the planting of different types of trees, designed to form a background to the white of the building and make it stand out.
Composed of several bodies so as not to be concentrated in a single structure which would have been too imposing, the hotel is spread over eight floors which include not only the 120 rooms but also numerous ancillary and service spaces. Among these, the spa THwba whirlpool bath, equipped gym for sportsmen, one pool overview, a space for the little ones in addition to restaurant and bar. The restaurant, specifically, is located in the heart of the structure and is available to guests from breakfast to dinner, when the chefs offer dishes where the typical flavors of the area are interpreted.
The wellness center includes spaces for the Finnish sauna, hydromassage and emotional showers, while the program offered to guests includes beauty and relaxation treatments. Last but not least, it business meeting space, designed to organize conferences, events and team building moments and which has a meeting room with 180 seats.
Inside the structure and integrating the service spaces, even one ski-room that offers agreements with the local ski school and for the rental of sports equipment, in addition to a garage for the guests.
The 120 rooms respond to different needs and are divided into three main types; the Superior, the Executive – with mezzanine and available in both double and triple – and the Junior Suites, made up of a single room divided between the sleeping area and the living area. The variety of rooms has been designed to appeal to both couples and families, in order to expand their catchment area. The interior design project followed for the rooms follows a common thread, which sees the dominance of wood and warm tones, with modern-style furnishings.
Among the initiatives and services offered by TH, the TH Crew, a working group designed to organize walks and excursions for guests and which also has the role of animating the evenings with various types of entertainment. TH Land, on the other hand, is designed for children: the animators take care of the youngest guests, also accompanying them to ski lessons and following them at lunch time, at the end of lessons and, if requested, even during dinner.
Click here to read the latest issue of the magazine “Hotel Domani” full. For more information on “Hotel Domani” we invite you to visit the magazine's website.
