Italian Tile Provides Durable and Aesthetic Solution for Hospitality Design
Two tile collections from Refin featured throughout many of the public areas of a new hotel in the Italian Alps create a contemporary look and add to the sustainable design
The new Hotel Dimora degli Dei is nestled in the Italian Alps -- more precisely, in Passo D'Eira, a prominent position between the Livigno Valley and Vallaccia in a landscape-restricted area at an altitude of 2,200 meters. Started in 2017 and completed in the summer of 2021, the project was under the direction of Studio Olzer -- from the initial planning stage to the final and executive design. The hotel is located directly on the ski slopes -- just a stone's throw from the largest six-seat chairlift in the 'Mottolino' ski area, and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains thanks to the large windows in the lobby and lounges, as well as the large solarium at the top of the unique structure. A variety of tile from Refin was used throughout the hotel design – chosen for both its beauty and durability.
The objective was to create a unique environment in an even more unique setting, according to the design team at Studio Olzer. Livigno at Passo D'Eira is the highest town in Europe and preparing to become a state-of-the-art tourist destination with services and accommodation facilities that can meet all expectations. "When we designed this structure, we wanted to create something unique, with sophisticated materials and design solutions, but at the same time, eco-friendly without sacrificing comfort and services that would make us special,” said architect and owner Guido Olzer. “Have we succeeded? Come and discover it with your eyes, or rather, with your five senses. Listen to the absolute silence, touch the preciousness of the wood, breathe in the fresh oxygenated air, taste our tasty breakfasts and enjoy the incomparable view of the Rhaetian Alps.”
The facility also has a marvelous panoramic terrace, unique in its kind, from which it is possible to admire with a wonderful 360-degree view of the mountain ranges of both the entire Livigno Valley and Trepalle, as well as the peaks of nearby Switzerland and Bormio, and the well-known Cima Piazzi, one of the highest peaks in the area.
Sustainability was at the forefront of the hospitality design, and ceramic tiles contributed to this mission. Tile was chosen for the floor and wall coverings in the bathrooms, corridors, part of the staircase and living areas. In all areas, the Foil collection from Refin presents itself in different colors -- Aluminium, Titanium and Burnish – and formats, with the only exception being the spa area where the Tune collection was employed in a special non-slip finish. In the bathrooms, the use of large slabs for vanity tops further enhances the beauty of the hotel’s design.
The Foil collection is the result of the encounter between craftsmanship and the authenticity of Italian production. Tiles in the collection provide a modern surface, rich in references to traditional craftsmanship, and its most obvious characteristics -- scratches and shininess reminiscent of vintage car bodies. Foil is a synthesis of the expressive power of porcelain stoneware and the charm of hand-molded metals.
Tune, the stone-effect porcelain stoneware collection, was used in the Rock color variant -- a combination of shades found in stones from different areas of northern Europe -- selected and mixed to create patterns and shades with a strong yet natural impact. Tiles in this collection are characterized by delicate veining, small grains and sandy surfaces.
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