A stunning mirrored retreat in the Italian countryside

Author: Sabrina Sciama

Angela Sabine Staffler is the owner of the land located just outside Bolzano, surrounded by apple orchards. To help her create two living units on her property – a haven for tourists, Angela enlisted the help of architect Peter Pichler. She wanted a holiday house where she and her guests were able to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the landscape, while experiencing all the comforts of home, and in complete privacy.

Photos by Oskar Da Riz

Angela’s goals were accomplished through the Mirror Houses. The result is a fascinating example of contemporary architecture that combines the skilful use of materials and technologies, the charm of natural scenery and respect for the environment.

Tolomeo Mega Terra floor lamp: Michele De Lucchi for Artemide

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Each home can host up to four people
Location: Just outside Bolzano, in South Tyrol, northern Italy
Year built: 2014
Architect: Peter Pichler Architecture
Size: Each house has 1 bedroom a kitchen and a bathroom
That’s interesting: Mirrored facades reflect and double the appearance of the surrounding landscape

South house – seen from inside.

Both units face east. Each has its own private garden, independent access and parking space, and its own small basement, with a separate entrance that can be used for storing sports equipment, for example.

The architect has worked concurrently on different aspects: from enhancing the natural environment to fulfilling Angela’s need for privacy. In addition, the wooden structure was covered with black aluminium, and renewable energy sources were added to assure sustainability.

South house – seen from inside.

Each unit features an open kitchen-living room area and a bedroom with large skylights that can be opened, to provide natural light and fresh air. Of course, each also has its own bathing area and toilet.

From the bedroom, you can enjoy the beauty of the apple orchards. On the west side of this unit, a large mirrored window looks out onto the owner’s garden and shows the surrounding landscape.

The units are suspended on a base that is slightly above ground. This enriches the project with lightness and highlights the panoramic view from the two units.

To provide fluidity and uniqueness, the architect chose to stagger the two units unevenly.

“The client asked me to design a structure consisting of two houses that could be used by the owner and also rented, so that all the guests can enjoy luxurious holidays,” Pichler says. “Each unit has its own little independent apartment that allows for the enjoyment of the experience of living with nature, without compromising the quality necessary to meet high-end living standards.”

Peter Pichler, whose work includes collaborations with great contemporary architects such as Zaha Hadid and Rem Koolhaas, has designed these homes. The large glass facades with black aluminium lines and curves face east. The result is beautiful modern architecture that perfectly blends with the surrounding environment.

Huge skylights provide natural light and ventilation to the bedroom. The design solutions have pursued sustainability, rationalisation criteria and the use of advanced technologies.

The interior furnishings are essential: the white walls and lightweight contemporary table and chairs combine in a unique manner to provide simplicity. When the houses aren’t flooded with natural light, Tolomeo Mega Terra lights beautifully illuminate the interiors.

“From certain angles, the garden of the existing house reflects in the contemporary architecture, and the whole composition gives life to a mix of architectural concepts which merges seamlessly with the environment,” says Pichler.

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