The Messner House’s facade is an unusual interpretation of vernacular architecture—the first clue that the house harbors unconventional styling. Two bronze boxes, which correspond to a pair of bedrooms, tease the idiosyncratic interior. Courtesy Alex Filz
A native of Siusi allo Sciliar in the Italian Alps, architect Stefan Rier became his own client when he designed his own house in the same village where he was born and raised. The dwelling’s architecture alternates between a modernity and the regional vernacular: From the street, it is a three-story, barn-like structure with a larch exterior that’s distinctively alpine while being sculptural and graphic as well. Inside it departs from local tradition entirely.
Rier’s Bolzano, Italy–based noa* team designed interiors that alternate between cozy and intimate—for example, the low-ceilinged kitchen opens to a lofty dining and living room, which his furnished with a long table for entertaining and beholding expansive alpine views.
Moving upward, the house’s “rooms” take the form of stacked and staggered boxes. The three bedrooms are suspended from the house’s exposed wooden beam structure (some 39 feet overhead) and float in the house’s generous 39,000-cubic-foot volume.
The house’s theatrical decor consists of heavy, stage curtain–like blue dividers that establish various intimate vignettes, obviating the need for walls. This theatrical character is quite surreal—apt since the project has been a longtime dream for Rier: “I spent a lot of my childhood playing in barns, climbing up high in the haylofts and then throwing myself down into the hay. That feeling of the large spaces, jumping down from up high, was the source of my inspiration for building this house. Perhaps if I had not had that experience, I would never have come to design this house at all.”
Located in the Italian Alps’ Dolomite range, the village of Siusi allo Sciliar is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its extraordinary natural beauty.
Courtesy Alex Filz
Located in the Italian Alps’ Dolomite range, the village of Siusi allo Sciliar is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its extraordinary natural beauty.
In contrast to the street-facing north facade, the south facade is completely glazed. The southeastern section of the roof features skylights that offer a spectacular view of the Schlern mountain.
Courtesy Alex Filz
In contrast to the street-facing north facade, the south facade is completely glazed. The southeastern section of the roof features skylights that offer a spectacular view of the Schlern mountain.
"I spend most of my time in the big open living-dining-kitchen area," Rier tells Metropolis. "This is where our little family can integrate with each other within the space, everyone on their own terms, yet still be together. In some ways [the main living area] can be seen as a little piazza, where you can spend time with family and friends, cook, enjoy a meal together, or just relax in the lounge with a glass of wine or a good book."
Courtesy Alex Filz
"I spend most of my time in the big open living-dining-kitchen area," Rier tells Metropolis. "This is where our little family can integrate with each other within the space, everyone on their own terms, yet still be together. In some ways [the main living area] can be seen as a little piazza, where you can spend time with family and friends, cook, enjoy a meal together, or just relax in the lounge with a glass of wine or a good book."
These three floating bedrooms are micro-homes, of sorts. Each is enclosed to provide some sound-dampening; they are connected by stairs and walkways that also support the baths and showers. Only the toilet is enclosed.
Courtesy Alex Filz
These three floating bedrooms are micro-homes, of sorts. Each is enclosed to provide some sound-dampening; they are connected by stairs and walkways that also support the baths and showers. Only the toilet is enclosed.
"Despite the open-space and three-story high ceiling with the visually floating rooms and floors, the house projects a warm and embracing atmosphere," says Rier, "where one immediately feels at home."
Courtesy Alex Filz
"Despite the open-space and three-story high ceiling with the visually floating rooms and floors, the house projects a warm and embracing atmosphere," says Rier, "where one immediately feels at home."
The furniture and some of the lighting were designed exclusively for the house by Rier and fabricated locally to his specifications. Additional lighting comes from Karman, Seletti, and lifestyle94.
Courtesy Alex Filz
The furniture and some of the lighting were designed exclusively for the house by Rier and fabricated locally to his specifications. Additional lighting comes from Karman, Seletti, and lifestyle94.
On the uppermost floor, a sauna is enclosed in glass and opens to a terrace equipped with a jacuzzi—as well as a magnificent view of the Sciliar range to the south.
Courtesy Alex Filz
On the uppermost floor, a sauna is enclosed in glass and opens to a terrace equipped with a jacuzzi—as well as a magnificent view of the Sciliar range to the south.
