Projects
In the magic setting of the Dolomites
Maria Giulia Zunino
ALFA LUX
PEINTNER Fliesen
2019
The Fanes-Senes-Braies natural park is located in the Ladin-speaking area of South Tyrol, a region that proudly maintains its traditions. The landscape is dominated by the Dolomites, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 and described by Le Corbusier as «the most beautiful work of architecture ever seen».
Werner and Tamara Call, together with their daughters Noemi and Giulia, personally oversaw the remodelling project for the Excelsior Dolomite Life Resort, drawing on their extensive experience in the world of hospitality.
«We want our guests to enjoy a sense of well-being, enthusiasm and positivity,» says Werner Call. «Mountain people as we are, we enjoy life to the full and have conceived our resort just the way we ourselves like to experience an exclusive hotel. And an atmospheric lounge ambience is a must. Working together as a family makes us stronger, it allows us to learn from each other every day.»
Following the new building work, the hotel now has 50 rooms and suites located in three different shaped volumes, which are harmoniously interconnected and blend in with the natural environment thanks to the essential look of wood. The central building is the Residence, inspired by the timeless appeal of a «maso» or traditional local farmhouse, flanked by the 5-storey Castello aimed mainly at families and young people and the new 7-floor Dolomite Lodge.
The first two buildings have been renovated and feature the use of wood instead of carpet, better furnished bathrooms, new lighting and full body coloured porcelain floor tiles from the Stonequartz collection by Alfalux. Produced in various sizes, the tiles are used in all the common areas and wellness zones (2500 m2) and serve as a shared element unifying the three buildings. Due to the presence of quartzite in the mix, the tiles have outstanding resistance to weathering and also come in a wide range of colours, in this case pearl, grey and black.
The Castello also features a well-equipped wellness area for families, including indoor and outdoor pools with Jacuzzis, a fitness centre and heated water beds in the relaxation area, as well as innovative beauty treatments in the 3-floor Castello di Dolasilla named after the legendary warrior princess, daughter of the evil king of the Fanes.
«In the new Dolomite Lodge we drew inspiration from the mountain landscape, which for us is synonymous with a calm and healthy lifestyle. Our aim is to boost our guests’ energy levels and allow them to reach a state of perfect harmony. Working with local businesses, we referenced the colours of the Dolomites, opened up the rooms to allow natural light to flood in, and created a dynamic spatial composition centred around the large terrace,» adds Werner Call. «We also aimed to provide an emotional experience: it’s not often that you can swim in a pool that seems to stretch for ever, climb on one of the façades or reach for the sky on the vie ferrate.»
Alfalux Stonequartz
porcelain stoneware
60x120, 45x90, 60x60 20mm
Perla, Nero, Grigio
Water absorpion (ISO 10545-3): < 0,2
Chemical resistance (ISO 10545-13): < = GLB
Resistance to deep abrasion (ISO 10545-6): 118
Stain resistance (ISO 10545-14): conforme
Frost resistance (ISO 10545-12): conforme
Modulus of rupture and breaking strength (ISO 10545-4): > 1600
Slip resistance (DIN 51130): R10 - R11
Thermal shock resistance (ISO 10545-9): conforme
Crazing resistance (ISO 10545-11): conforme
Linear thermal expansion (ISO 10545-8): conforme
LEED