House with authentic rustic look and modern interior

When traditional architecture blends harmoniously with modern, minimalist and comfortable style, the result is truly remarkable buildings. Such is the K2 house in Suprabolzano, Italy, in the Dolomites, designed by the architecture studio architecture + design minivan and completed in 2021. Traditional South Tyrolean architecture is seen from a fresh and contemporary perspective, taking on interesting accents. The house preserves the harmony of place, the modern notes are not jarring, blending seamlessly into the decor. The house is enhanced in equal measure by both the preservation of elements typical of Tyrolean houses and the spectacular modern touches.

Traditional monumental roof and an equally impressive modern staircase

At first glance, the house looks like a traditional Tyrolean cottage, with a high-pitched, shingled gable roof, dark shutters set off by the white of the wall, and an attic built of walnut-colored wood. Immediately striking, however, is the exterior staircase built on the north side of the house, framed by wooden trim. The wood is walnut stained with slight metallic tones, as is the wood in the attic. The same trim is used on the exterior terrace on the ground floor, the one built upstairs and the balconies. The modern look of the staircase does not disturb but on the contrary, it seems to emphasize the traditional elements of the house.

Large dormers are visible on both sides of the roof. Even though they are atypical, they are not disturbing. The roof does not end in a sharp peak, the two waters are joined by a flat terrace roof area. The courtyard is harmoniously landscaped and allows access on all 4 sides of the house. In the evening, architectural lighting enhances the house, pleasantly complementing the light spread by windows and skylights.

Simple, minimalist and very comfortable interior

The house has four levels. Because of the slope, the ground floor is only visible on the west side. It is used for technical and storage rooms. On the south side, open to the courtyard with lawn and fir trees, opposite the outside staircase, a small greenhouse is built.

The first level is an open space with a U-shaped self-supporting staircase as its focal point. Here you will find the kitchen, living room and dining area. A massive piece of straight-lined furniture, which includes a modern fireplace with traditional accents, separates the dining area from the living area. So the two areas have privacy without being totally separate. The simple kitchen, with an island containing the sink, is open and perpendicular to the other 2 spaces, with visibility to each. The wall in the dining area is painted, and above the table are several elongated, pastel-colored lamps. On the floor is natural parquet. The colors of the room are beige, gray and brown with pastel colored accents.

The staircase leads upstairs to three bedrooms and a bathroom. The furnishings are minimalist, Scandinavian style, preserving the natural colour of the wood. Beds are positioned so that you can see the mountains out of the window. The openings to the terrace are fully glazed, the brightness of the rooms is complemented by small windows. The bathroom is simple, in shades of grey, beige and white.

On the top level is the attic. Large skylights let in generous amounts of light. And here you can see the mountains from the bed. Also in the attic is a large living room and a bathroom with shower. The colours are kept on the same note, as is the simple, clean style.

A team of young architects in constant search of challenges

For the team minivan, architecture and design is about more than creating shapes. It tries to look at the traditional from a different perspective in order to bring something new and innovative. The focus is on people, their desires and needs. The basic idea of each project is intelligent architecture and bold design that interacts with the environment, taking advantage of its characteristics.

The K2 House is an example of the combination of environmental features and bold design, of traditional elements and modern, contemporary accents. It is a building that follows the wishes and needs of the owners, respecting local architecture and traditions.

Source: archilovers.com