A retreat above Merano – Living in Harmony with Nature and Architecture

This exceptional property is not a traditional alpine hut, but a mindful retreat - a place of silence and regeneration for body and soul, offering deliberate distance from the demands of everyday life. Located about 30 meters above the rooftops of the spa town of Merano, on the sun-kissed Küchelberg hillside, this semi-basement apartment in a former pulmonary sanatorium is accessible only on foot - a testament to its unique and peaceful setting. To the north, the towering 3,000-meter peaks of the Texel Group provide shelter, while the view opens southward over Merano and the Adige Valley, with the striking Gantkofel mountain and the Dolomites in the distance. To the east lies the entrance to the Passiria Valley, and to the west the Venosta Valley begins - a truly panoramic location with over 300 days of sunshine per year. The apartment is quite literally carved into the rock: the rooms are embedded on three sides in paragneiss stone, which is dramatically exposed in the main kitchen and dining area, creating a natural focal point. The original linear layout was preserved with care: from the arched arcade walkway, one enters directly into the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. To the east lies a cozy retreat room, while to the west are the bedroom and the internal bathroom. The architectural concept follows a philosophy of “unconstructed alpine simplicity” - reduced, honest, and natural. Inspired by Italian modernism, the space is defined by raw materials and selected design classics: dark walnut wood, rough gray porcelain stoneware, and furnishings by USM, Kartell, Artemide, and Agape. Structurally, the renovation posed a significant challenge. Although the rocky setting provided natural thermal buffering, moisture infiltration was considerable and an electric underfloor heating system was also installed. A complete interior renovation, combined with the use of breathable natural materials and controlled ventilation, allowed for the creation of a stable and healthy indoor climate.