stationery: FORESTIS
source: FORESTIS
Hotel FORESTIS - a place that strengthens the soul and frees the mind. Located at an altitude of 1,800 metres, on the southern slope of the Plose mountain in the South Tyrolean Alps, facing the imposing Dolomite massifs, the hotel is a sanctuary of relaxation and strength for people from all over the world. In its surroundings there are four, pure natural phenomena full of goodness. Water, air, sun and climate that work together to benefit the body, mind and soul. The interiors are dominated by bright, natural colours and everything has a minimalist character, so that the focus is entirely on nature.
source: FORESTIS
History
Just before the outbreak of the First World War, the Austrian Emperor decided to establish a tuberculosis sanatorium at Palmschoss. He most likely chose this location for its clean air, excellent climate and the pristine quality of the spring waters of the Plose River. The architect, Otto Wagner, famous for his time, was appointed to create this grand project. However, due to the war and the sudden death of the designer, it could not be realised as planned. Originally, the building was to have had a larger, Art Nouveau design, but it was downsized, and as a result of the subsequent wars, it was abandoned and left to deteriorate for many years, until 2000, when it was found by Alois Hinteregger...
source: FORESTIS
Alois and his family lived in a small hut on the slope of the Plose mountain. It overlooked a mysterious, long-abandoned building. One day he was driving along a forest road and decided to stop at a nearby clearing. His curiosity led him to an overgrown path which led to a gate. After jumping over the fence, he made his way to a dimly lit wooden building. As he later recounted, "I was stunned by what I saw there, I immediately realised it was an extraordinary place. I felt a tremendous energy in this special atmosphere that seemed to come from the forest and the surrounding mountains." Inspired by the energy and lightness emanating from the location and the building, Hinteregger decides to build a hotel. In 2009, he succeeds in fulfilling his dream and the hotel officially opens.
source: FORESTIS
In 2020, a new beginning is made for FORESTIS. Stefan Hinteregger - son of the aforementioned Alois - together with his partner, Teresa Unterthiner, after international training and travels to some of the most beautiful places in the world over the past few years, gradually turned their attention to what they call their own, unique location on the Plose. And so the decision was made to focus entirely on the development of Forestis. Today, the entire Hinteregger family, and especially Stefan and Teresa, follow the original atmosphere of the surrounding landscape by celebrating the simplicity of nature at the height of elegance. Thanks to Stefan and Teresa, the hotel has been comprehensively developed. At an altitude of 1,800 metres surrounded by a mountain forest, there is no room for inauthentic feelings. Hospitality is practised by the Hinteregger family with total commitment. FORESTIS is the fulfilment of a long-hidden longing.
source: FORESTIS
The four elements - water, air, sun, climate
The hotel's unique location, provides four natural phenomena that help to forge a bond with nature. These are used in the interiors of the hotel.
source: FORESTIS
Water - some 50 metres above FORESTIS, the pure water of the Plose mountain flows from an artesian spring. The rock from which it comes guarantees the constant purity, quality and temperature of the water throughout the year. The relationship between water and rock in nature has also been adopted and reflected in the hotel. The stone decanters and spring water wells at various locations symbolise the way drinking water making its way through the rock to the surface. Naturally shaped stone basins, bathtubs and pools, emphasise the quality of the water.
source: FORESTIS
Air - at an altitude of 1,800 m above sea level, it has unique properties. Its purity and special composition restore the body's original strength and energy. The excellent air quality is the greatest asset of the hotel's location. FORESTIS combines its transparency with the transparency of glass. The floor-to-ceiling windows, made of natural bullion materials, emphasise the purity of the air, allowing guests to enjoy the magnificent views of the Dolomites.
source: FORESTIS
The Sun - is the element of happiness and joie de vivre. The hotel is located on the south-facing slope of the mountain, which means that from morning to evening all rooms receive direct sunlight, which has a special effect on the mood. At FORESTIS, the warmth of the Sun is expressed in fabrics made from local materials. Natural, untreated cotton and linen fabrics emphasise the calming effect of the sun, while additionally wrapping the skin and giving a feeling of comfort.
source: FORESTIS
The atmosphere - the aura of Palmschoss and the fresh air of the forest - permeates every room through the wood. The walls and ceilings in the tower and penthouse suites are made of spruce. The spruce wood is untreated and left in its natural state. This makes sleep more peaceful and regeneration more intense. All penthouses are equipped with local wood, from which the essential scent of the forest is wafted, which allows guests direct contact with the forest.
Stone and its importance in FORESTIS
source: FORESTIS
FORESTIS decided to use appropriately prepared dolomite stone to finish the rooms and elements of the hotel such as walls, sinks and baths, the swimming pool, spa and restaurant. Dolomite stone is a local material, thanks to which guests can experience an even closer presence of nature and the surrounding dolomites. Historically, when building rustic Alpine farms, raw natural stone was used for the foundations. FORESTIS uses naturally processed dolomite to create timeless architecture. To make smooth surfaces out of pure natural stone, blocks of dolomite are crushed in a mill, then ground into dust and sieved. After this process, the finished dust is mixed with water and a small amount of fine clay soil to create a soft and compact mass that can be applied and shaped with a spatula. After drying, the surfaces covered with the dolomite mass are protected with wax, giving them a waterproof and particularly hygienic quality.
źródło: FORESTIS
Architecture
źródło: FORESTIS
The architecture is inspired by the characteristics of nature. The perfect water, air, sun and climate are reflected here in natural materials. Stone from which spring emerges, glass that is as pure as the air, warm materials that are warm like the sun and wood that alludes to its surroundings. The hosts wanted harmony between the building and its interior and the surrounding nature. South Tyrolean architect Armin Sader and his team reinterpreted traditional architecture and created a natural atmosphere throughout the hideaway, using regional materials. The design firm's guiding principle is the motto 'architecture begins with homage to place'. According to the project's chief architect, Armin Sader, "We wanted a very linear, restrained design language and a balanced approach." As a historic building, it features a timber façade that was constructed entirely from natural materials from the area. Next to it, three flat towers of varying heights have been set up. They were built from dolomite stone, with stone meal, water, clay and beeswax as natural fillers, and finally the building was clad in wood. The towers are modelled on the shape of tree trunks, blending harmoniously into the forested landscape. The historic house was connected to the three wooden towers in part by an underground passage. The architecture of the hotel gives way to nature, so it is the views that attract the most attention.
source: FORESTIS
source: FORESTIS
source: FORESTIS
Interiors
source: FORESTIS
According to Armin Sader's designs, a local carpenter carefully selected the wood and made all of the hotel's furnishings. Thanks to the use of natural materials, FORESTIS can almost entirely do without decoration, as it is the materials that create the atmosphere. The fabrics for the cushions, sofas, armchairs, chairs and carpets come from a weaving mill in Trentino. These natural materials give the flats and penthouses a character that reflects the tranquillity and permanence of nature. The furnishings are characterised by a simple elegance - far from Alpine kitsch. In the historic building, elements such as the wooden ceilings and windows were not allowed to be altered. The wood of the façade has also remained unchanged and tells the story of the building. The Italian company Viabizzuno from Bologna developed the lighting concept for FORESTIS. The unobtrusive light sources focus on the materials with a natural authenticity. Viabizzuno's lighting elements were chosen to create an artistic, yet very natural, warm atmosphere.
source: FORESTIS
source: FORESTIS
The hotel also has an impressive spa and an unconventional cuisine. You can see more on the hotel's website: https://www.forestis.it/en
The photographs and press materials used were obtained, thanks to the kindness of FORESTIS Hotel.
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