Perched at an altitude of 1,350 meters in the Italian Alps, Chalet Brento is a rural hospitality retreat located on the slopes of Monte Casale in Comano Terme, a region in northern Italy’s Trentino province.

The chalet offers sweeping views of Lake Garda, the Adamello and Presanella mountain ranges, and the dramatic peaks of the Brenta Dolomites.

The site is accessible only via a forest road from Lundo, adding logistical complexity to the build. Despite this, Chalet Brento now operates as a bar and guesthouse with four rooms, welcoming hikers, mountain bikers, and base jumpers drawn to the internationally renowned Becco d’Aquila launch site nearby.

Reconstruction

The project involved the partial reconstruction of a 19th-century alpine malga, (mountain lodge) preserving the original north wing restored in 2002.

In 2020, a new southern volume was added using Sylva CLT Walls, Floors, and Roofs from Stora Enso. Set atop a reinforced concrete base, the timber structure enabled fast, low-impact construction, ideal for the short alpine building season and the site's limited accessibility for heavy vehicles.

The project achieved an optimal balance between prefabrication and on-site work, reducing construction time and costs while respecting the delicate environmental context.

Machine precision and traditional carpentry

To ensure architectural and functional continuity between the old and new volumes, laser scanning technology was used for precise alignment. The façade blends traditional lime plaster, manufactured stone cladding (Geopietra), and larch wood detailing, echoing the original alpine style while enhancing durability, breathability, and material synergy.

The east façade features larch boarding, while the entire masonry was finished with lime-based plaster with stone finish, maintaining the authentic character of the original malga. Photovoltaic panels on the roof contribute to its energy self-sufficiency, reinforcing its sustainable credentials