In harmony with nature

There are locations that command respect in terms of their natural environment. The plateau of Folgaria, nestled amongst the Vicenza Pre-Alps, is undoubtedly one of these. Inhabited since prehistoric times and designated a “Magnificent Community” in the Middle Ages, the plateau is a land of ancient legends and deeply-rooted Cimbrian culture, a stage for heroic action during the Great War and now a jewel of year-round tourism.
The picturesque village of Costa, located just outside the municipal centre of Folgaria, is a paradise for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. In particular, it is home to Muu Village, a tourist resort where guests can enjoy a relaxing break in harmony with nature. A far cry from the large hotel stereotype, the project sought to break down the massing into a series of low-impact buildings reminiscent of an old local settlement. The rejection of any attempt to imitate a vernacular style makes the project even more convincing. Through its elegant simplicity, it succeeds in giving a timeless aura to an unmistakably contemporary building, which respects the spirit of the location precisely because it does not betray it through architectural falsity.
In addition to the accommodation facility, the complex also includes socialisation spaces, a wine bar, a wide selection of eateries and a modern spa centre. The spa in particular was designed to cater for the growing demand from contemporary tourism, in search of relaxation and mental and physical regeneration after a hard day spent on the ski slopes, hiking or cycling in the mountains or playing a round on the nearby golf course. The project stems from the creativity and close cooperation between Davide Pola (owner of Muu Village) and Marco Berteotti, proprietor of Ceramiche Berteotti (showroom in Rovereto), who accompanied the supply and installation of tiles with an all-round consulting service.
The result is a highly appealing space with a relaxing atmosphere of light and shade that blends in perfectly with snow-covered winter fields or the golden glow of summer days. A wide array of facilities are available, including Turkish bath, sauna, cold water well, whirlpool, a 13 by 3 metre pool complete with open-air section, a solarium, a relaxation area, water features and a Technogym exercise hall.
A critical contribution to the overall result comes from the meticulously coordinated colour design of the ceramic floor and wall tiles. Pride of place is occupied by the Lignes collection tiles from Provenza (Emilceramica Group), which combine the warmth and material textures of wood with the extraordinarily hard-wearing and maintenance-free characteristics of porcelain tile. Chosen in the warm Karù colour and the typical dimensions of parquet planks (15×60 cm), the tiles were installed in a ship decking style layout with narrow grout joints to accentuate their pattern and natural appeal.