In the heart of Alpin Breuil-Cervinia, with views of the Matterhorn and the Grandes Murailles mountain range, the Hotel al Piolet is set within an alpine landscape of great scenic and architectural value. Built in 1953 by Rolando Zanni, a key figure in the resort’s tourism development, the building was designed in dialogue with some icons of modern high-altitude architecture, such as Franco Albini’s Rifugio Pirovano and Carlo Mollino’s Casa del Sole.
Today, the hotel is undergoing a revitalisation project led by Swedish entrepreneur Jonas Nordlund, who is redefining its positioning within the high-end contemporary hospitality sector. The interior design has been entrusted to the Gris+Dainese studio, tasked with reinterpreting the historical legacy through a contemporary lens.
Founded by Stefano Gris and Silvia Dainese, based in Venice and with roots in Cortina d’Ampezzo – Stefano Gris’s hometown – the studio stands out for an approach that combines Alpine building culture with contemporary sensibilities, defined as ‘contemporary rurality’. This method translates into a balance between traditional materials and innovative design solutions, applied here to the overall redefinition of spaces.
The renovation of the building envelope and services, overseen by architect Mariapia Bettiol, has retained the original 1950s layout whilst improving its energy efficiency and functionality. In parallel, Gris+Dainese handled the concept, detailed design, furniture design and artistic direction, in collaboration with Pianca, the general contractor and bespoke manufacturer.
The lobby is conceived as a reception area and distribution hub: Blu Roma marble defines the architectural backdrop, whilst the oak panelling introduces a more intimate dimension. Bespoke furnishings, burnished metals and a carefully calibrated lighting system contribute to a sophisticated atmosphere.
The Opera restaurant has a more intimate and cosy atmosphere, centred around a double-sided brass fireplace. Leather seating, marble tables, dark ceilings and a cluster of spherical lamps create an ambience that evokes the cosiness of an Alpine club, reimagined with a contemporary twist.
The twenty-four rooms, ranging from standard rooms to the penthouse, are defined by
a continuous oak finish on the floors, walls and ceilings. Bespoke furnishings integrate form and function, whilst indirect lighting highlights the materials and textures. The penthouse features a living area with a fireplace and a private terrace with a hot tub overlooking the Matterhorn.
In the bathrooms, Verde Alpi marble complements Canaletto walnut furniture and classically designed taps. The frosted glass partitions ensure visual continuity and privacy.
The bar, on the first floor, opens out onto the terrace and the outdoor pool, maintaining a consistent use of materials with the rest of the building. The steel fireplace and the wine rack made from antique mirrors introduce elements of contrast and visual depth.
The spa, clad in heat-treated larch and stone, offers spaces dedicated to wellness, whilst the ski storage area is organised with integrated and functional solutions. The direct connection to the slope, via a walkway on the fourth floor, reinforces the relationship between the building and the landscape.
Great attention has been paid to the selection and treatment of materials: oak, Canaletto walnut and larch are finished in a way that conveys a natural, layered appearance. The lighting design combines decorative fixtures with concealed systems, effectively highlighting surfaces and volumes.
The project takes the form of a unified concept that integrates architecture, interiors, furnishings and lighting, restoring the Hotel al Piolet to a central position within Cervinia’s hospitality sector. It is an example of regeneration that combines heritage, craftsmanship and contemporary design.
Team:
Architects: Gris + Dainese architetti
Interior Design: Gris+dainese Architetti
Architecture: Mariapia Bettiol
General Contractor: Pianca
Photographer: Davide Logrieco
Materials Used:
Floor: Pianca/margraf
Wall Coverings: Pianca
Bathroom Fixtures: Ceramiche Cielo/duravit/gessi
Taps: Axor/gessi
Bathroom Furniture: Designed By Gris+dainese, Production By Pianca
Fabrics: Rubelli/quobo Contract/kvadrat
Carpet: Object Carpet, Kasthall/tisca
Imbottiti: Pianca7meridiani/de Padova/vitra E Su Disegno Gris+dainese Prodotti Da Pianca
Porte: Pianca E Maniglie Olivari
Lampade: Fontana Arte/classicon/barovier & Toso/flos/ingo Maurer/via Bizzuno/247 Lab/Luis Pulsen/santa & Cole/j Adams & Co
Arredi E Allestimenti Oudoor: Su Disegno Gris+dainese Produzione Pianca/ Ketall/rum/roda
SPA, Sauna E Bagno Turco: Starpool – Lettini: Su Disegno Gris+dainese Produzione Pianca
Domotic System: Micro Device
