The Santnerpass refuge, rebuilt by Senoner Tammerle Architekten, is an extraordinary retreat in the Dolomites and a testament to modern vernacular architecture.
The Santnerpass Hotel sits at an altitude of 2,734 meters, atop the Rosengarten massif in South Tyrol, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Michel Perathoner and Romina Huber, a couple passionate about the mountains, acquired the property in 2018 and entrusted its renovation to Senoner Tammerle Architekten. This Bolzano-based architectural firm has transformed the mountain refuge into a haven for the most seasoned climbers, those with the tenacity to reach it. It serves as the starting point for several climbing routes that guarantee breathtaking views of the Alpine peaks. The ascent includes via ferrata sections with steel cables, followed by a winding path to the summit.
REINTERPRETATION OF ALPINE STYLES
The A-frame architecture blends authenticity and minimalism, modernity and tradition. This place has its origins in the 1950s with an initial stone shelter designed by a local mountain guide, which closed in 2012. Today, its triangular structure plays with vernacular elements and blends into its environment, while standing out with its shimmering roof.
The architects' approach combines wood, steel, and glass to offer safety and durability in the face of the spectacular, radical, and vertiginous views of the Santner Pass. The galvanized steel sheeting, a material particularly resistant to extreme weather conditions, changes color with the sun, coloring the refuge with the yellow and orange hues of sunsets.
BETWEEN COMFORT AND SLEEK AESTHETICS
The four-story spaces can accommodate up to 40 people. The fluid and open layout promotes a connection between the interior and exterior, with spruce walls and floors and an interior adorned with untreated larch furniture.
On the ground floor, the dining room and bar open onto a panoramic terrace offering breathtaking mountain views through a large glass facade. The first floor comprises about fifteen small bedrooms with shared bathrooms.
Thanks to this revival, since 2023, Michel and Romina have breathed new life into high-mountain accommodation and given a real boost to adrenaline junkies and passionate hikers. A thrilling way to overlook the world while experiencing an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
