Situated in a unique location on the shores of Orta Lake in Pella, not far from the ferry landing stage and just opposite the island of San Giulio, the Casa Fantini boutique hotel is an architectural project by Lissoni inspired by an idea of Daniela Fantini, head of the eponymous company.
The aim was to enhance the existing natural legacy by integrating local typologies with elements linked to far-off climes. The rich history of the site dialogues with modernity and the tradition of artisans working in stone, metal and wood, with ample use of glass surfaces to provide spectacular views over the lake.
The hotel consists of two buildings facing the lake, one old the other new, both of which are seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape. The structure enjoys a privileged relationship with the surrounding nature, already evident at the entrance where access to the hotel is through a private garden that was conceived in collaboration with Paghera Landscape Design.
The garden paths in grey Beola stone have been designed with a regular geometry tempered by the softness of the Mediterranean vegetation of herbs and flowers. The swimming pool, clad in the same stone to maintain the aesthetic continuity of sober elegance, is located in a more private area of the garden.
The façade of the new building is composed of thin Accoya wood slats that have been cut to emphasize their materic quality and placed at regular intervals to confer a dynamic equilibrium to the external wall.
The large window openings of the rooms amplify the interior spaces, carrying ones gaze to the lake and surrounding mountains.
The hotel has been imagined as an intimate oasis, accommodating just eleven rooms in three different forms, including two generous suites. The natural materials of wood and stone were chosen for the interiors, in perfect equilibrium with the landscape and the spirit of the location.
Photographer: Giovanni Gastel