Mission

design estates presents: Design hotels by Peter Pichler Architecture - an award-winning architecture studio based in Milan

We are a young, dynamic and experimental team dedicated to developing an innovative and contemporary approach to architecture.

Understanding tradition is the key to radical development. That’s why we integrate familiarity with the local culture and respect for the natural environment into every single project. This credo forms the foundation of our studio and reflects the way we work. Our vision and our team are the pillars of our success.

Peter Pichler

Peter Pichler was born in 1982 in Bolzano, Italy. He studied architecture at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, where he graduated with honours in Zaha Hadid’s master class, and in the USA at the University of California (UCLA).

During his studies, Peter worked in renowned architecture firms such as Zaha Hadid Architects in London, Delugan Meissl in Vienna and OMA / Rem Koolhaas in Rotterdam.

After graduating, he worked as a Project architect for Zaha Hadid Architects in Hamburg and on award-winning projects and competitions in several countries. In 2015, he founded PETER PICHLER ARCHITECTURE in Milan together with his wife Silvana Ordinas.

Peter believes that architecture must have a strong connection with the culture and history of a particular place. He is interested in analysing and researching local architecture, materials and elements that, in combination with technology, reflect a contemporary interpretation of the past.

He was nominated by the “National Chamber of Architects” in Italy as a young Italian talent and was a finalist for the “Gold Medal of Architecture Prize” at the Triennale di Milano, as well as for the “Dezeen Awards for Emerging Architect of the Year”.

Peter is a winner of “40 under 40” among the “Best Emerging Young Architects & Designers” in Europe, selected by “The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture” and “The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies”.

Silvana Ordinas

Silvana Ordinas was born in Mallorca, Spain, in 1987. She holds an Executive Master in Marketing and Sales from the SDA BOCCONI School of Management in Milan and the ESADE Business School in Barcelona. She studied Tourism at the Universitat de les Illes Balears, where she graduated in 2011.

During her university studies, Silvana also pursued an international modelling career, working for several international brands and immersing herself in the world of style and design.

After graduating, Silvana joined her family’s property company in Mallorca as a project manager. She oversaw several construction projects from the planning phase to the final sale, while keeping an eye on financial opportunities for future investments.

At PETER PICHLER ARCHITECTURE she works as Studio Administration Manager and is responsible for clients, financial strategies and decisions.

Peter Pichler Architecture won an invited competition in 2019 to design a new hotel in northern Italy. The new Hotel Milla Montis was inaugurated in October 2020.

Project:

Location:

Year:

Surface area:

Customer:

Maranza, South Tyrol, Italy

2020

3500 m2

Oberhofer

The hotel is located in Meransen, in the Italian region of South Tyrol. Meadows and fields surround the well-formed mountain of the small Alpine village, directly above the Puster Valley, which is known for its wonderful hiking trails.
The project location is characterised by its unique landscape and the impressive panoramic view of the Dolomites.

The new hotel structure is divided into four staggered volumes to break up the scale of the entire structure. At the same time, the scale of the surrounding buildings is to be respected.
The composition is inspired by the typical architecture of the region and the classic wooden barn – a contemporary reinterpretation.

Meransen is a small village in South Tyrol with a significant agricultural background. This is why the curved shape of the exoskeleton façade is inspired by the pitchfork used by local farmers. 

The interiors are simple and functional – in timeless alpine style. Ash wood is combined with typical green loden fabrics, which add a splash of colour and continue the natural palette of the surrounding landscape.

Wood is the main protagonist of the project, both externally and internally. It creates a contrast between the blackened wood on the outside and the light-coloured wood on the inside.

 

In 2015, Peter Pichler Architecture won a competition for the complete renovation of the existing “Hotel Schgaguler” in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO-protected mountain landscape. The Schgaguler was built in 1986 and renovated by Peter Pichler Architecture in 2018. The small village of Castelrotto in South Tyrol, Italy is known for its popular culture, its relationship with nature and the surrounding mountains.

Project:

Location:

Year:

Customer:

Hotel Schgaguler

Castelrotto, South Tyrol, Italy

2018

Schgaguler

A simple and timeless architectural design is the main protagonist of this charming boutique hotel. Alpine style with minimalist aesthetics creates an authentic sense of well-being. An open and transparent house attracts guests and invites visitors to step inside and feel the connection to the picturesque village and its surrounding mountains.

The project consists of three monolithic structures that resemble the original structure of the house before the remodelling. Taking into account the local context and surroundings, the strong architectural identity of the hotel follows a contemporary reinterpretation of the alpine style and plays with typical local elements such as the typical pitched roof.

The expressive exoskeleton façade changes depending on the orientation and programme. On the north/east façade, the corridors and public spaces, the almost sculptural structure forms a shallower depth. 

On the south façade, the tapering geometry has more depth and creates loggias with natural shading. The light grey colour of the chalky plaster on the façade is inspired by the rocks of the surrounding mountains.

Tradition and culture are key elements in the design of the hotel. Simple and functional interiors with open-plan layouts are combined with local materials such as chestnut wood, local stone and textiles. The public areas such as the lobby, bar and restaurant are located on the ground floor. The bar opens onto a large, sunny terrace with impressive views of the Sciliar. The wellness facilities, spa and beauty centre are located in the basement.

The rooms and suites are located on the upper floors and are characterised by a timeless design that creates a cosy atmosphere. Open-plan bathrooms with free-standing bathtubs invite you to take a soothing bath after a hike or ski tour.

Awards

PPA’s designs are internationally recognised and have received numerous prizes and awards from institutions around the world.

The studio also actively participates in architectural events around the globe. Peter has been an invited speaker at the 14th International Alvar Aalto Symposium in Finland, the Venice Architecture Biennale and has given several workshops and lectures in Asia.

Selected awards & exhibitions

2022 THE INT. ARCHITECTURE AWARDS

Winner, Kastelaz Hof

ARCHITIZER A+AWARDS

Winner, Kastelaz Hof
Private House (L 4000-6000 sq ft)

SURFACE DESIGN AWARDS

Winner, Oberholz Mountain Hut Commercial Building Interior

2021 AHEAD AWARDS

Winner, Hotel Milla Montis Hotel Newbuild

HOSPITALITY DESIGN AWARDS

Winner, Hotel Milla Montis Hotel Lifestyle

VENICE BIENNALE

Peter Pichler Architecture invited to exhibit their work at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in the Italian pavilion curated by Alessandro Melis in the section “Best Italian Practice”

40 UNDER 40 WINNER

The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies selected Peter Pichler among the Best Emerging Young Architects & Designers in Europe.

2020 PREMIO INARCHITETTURA

Winner, Hotel Schgaguler Giovani Progettisti

ARCHITIZER A+AWARDS

Special Mention, Hotel Schgaguler, Hospitality

2019 INT. SPACE DESIGN AWARD IDEA TOPS

Winner, Oberholz Mountain Hut Dining Space Category

SHENZHEN GLOBAL DESIGN AWARD

Silver Award, Oberholz Mountain Hut Architecture Design - Urban & Landscape

2018 LICC - LONDON CREATIVE AWARDS

Winner, Peter Pichler Architecture Artist of the Year in Architecture

DEZEEN AWARDS

Finalist , Peter Pichler Architecture Emerging Architect of the Year

MEDAGLIA D'ORO TRIENNALE

Finalist, Oberholz Mountain Hut Premio T Young

2017 INARCH NAZIONALE

Winner, Oberholz Mountain Hut Bar Ristoranti d’Autore

ARCHILOVERS

Winner, Oberholz Mountain Hut Bar Ristoranti d' Autore

2016 MODERN DECORATION HOME

Winner, Oberholz Mountain Hut Annual Restaurant Space Award

NEW ITALIAN BLOOD

3rd Prize, Peter Pichler Architecture Italian young emerging studios

VENICE ARCHITECTURE BIENNALE

Winner, Peter Pichler Architecture Young Italian Architects

2015 FESTA DELL'ARCHITETTO

Winner, Peter Pichler Architecture Premio Giovane Talento dell’architettura italiana

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