Located in the upper part of Andalo, a scenic village in northern Italy’s Trentino region, Chalet Larix is a modern alpine residence completed in 2022. The project involved the demolition and reconstruction of the historic building La Campagnola, transforming it into a refined structure that houses 10 apartments across three floors—including the owner’s residence and units for tourist accommodation.

Set against a privileged view of the Brenta Dolomites, the design draws inspiration from traditional alpine architecture while embracing contemporary aesthetics. Large terraces and balconies frame panoramic views and optimize solar exposure, creating a strong connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Built with a Sylva™ kit of parts

The new building was constructed using Sylva CLT Roofs, Walls, and Floors from Stora Enso, enabling a high-performance timber solution tailored to alpine conditions. The use of engineered wood allowed for efficient prefabrication, low-carbon footprint and long-term durability, all essential for building in mountainous environments.

The structure’s base is made of solid, monolithic materials, while the upper floors feature natural larch wood cladding and dark metal roofing, reflecting local building traditions while introducing modern contrasts.

Design

The architectural concept reimagines the traditional mountain barn with compact volumes, natural materials, and large glazed openings reminiscent of historic haylofts. Unlike the original building’s vertical form, Chalet Larix adopts a horizontal layout that harmonizes with the surrounding village, avoiding visual dissonance and enhancing integration with the alpine landscape.

Special attention was given to material durability and maintenance: timber surfaces are protected by deep overhangs and eaves, and more resilient finishes were used in exposed areas. The natural larch wood, chosen for its colour stability and weather resistance, complements the dark metal finishes and reinforces the building’s timeless character.

The result is a residence that fosters a slow, meditative dialogue with the alpine landscape, offering full sunlight exposure and a rich sensory experience for guests and residents alike.