Noa*, an architecture studio founded by Lukas Rungger & Stefan Rier

The curves and arches of Gloriette Guesthouse surprise and delight against the raw mountainous Alpine backdrop where, more and more, minimal and stark architecture gains ground.

Not so here in Soprabolzano, where Lukas Rungger and Stefan Rier helmed the construction of the new hotel, completed in 2018 at the behest of the Alber family.

The architectural duo, surprisingly, do hail from such a minimalistic professional background: they met while working with Matteo Thun, the Italian architect known for embracing the concept of ‘Zero Design’. Simplicity, lightness and durability are the main tenets of this aesthetic.

With their own architecture practice – named noa* – Rungger and Rier have most definitely incorporated the elements of lightness and durability in their work, but instead of sticking to simplicity, they aim to create buildings with personality and charm.

Conceiving of noa* as an ever-changing network of architects, interior designers, graphic talent to even psychologists and much more, noa* is able to incorporate a multitude of ideas and styles into its projects.

With Gloriette Guesthouse this resulted in an Art Deco-inspired design characterized by an arched façade with rounded windows and an upside-down arch for a cantileverd pool. Curves abound inside as well, in the cosy furniture and hearths that make up a warm and welcoming interior.

For a hotel in Bavaria, noa* drew on fairytales with the help of a psychologist from Munich, to create a magical environment. For a tranquil spa, noa* collaborated with a product designer who created just the light installation to complement the South-Tyrolean location. The list goes on an on, and can be viewed on their website’s elaborate projects page.

One thing is clear. Each noa* project is imbued with personality and the touch of singular expertise.

Images © Alex Filz for NOA*