
In the heart of the Dolomites, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Chalet Cortina” project created by HENGE stands out, which perfectly embodies the balance between alpine tradition and contemporary design. Immersed in the nature of larches and firs, the private chalet – designed by architects Isabella Genovese and Paolo Tormena – combines a refined and material aesthetic language in its interior design , thanks to the use of reclaimed wood, large panoramic windows and environments designed to coexist with the surrounding landscape.
The interior spaces reveal a project capable of dialoguing with the mountain: from the choice of the traditional larch of the old “tabià” used for the structure and finishes, to the large living area on two levels overlooking the majestic peaks of the Tofane, Cinque Torri and Cristallo Mountains. The project favors natural light that breaks through the large windows, bringing the landscape inside and enhancing the contrast between the material surfaces and the refined details.
The design philosophy is summed up in the designer’s words: “Today my work is characterised by the dialogue between product and architectural solutions. I try to represent a lifestyle that can convey an authentic atmosphere. The home is a place where intimacy blends harmoniously with social occasions. My goal is to create continuity between the interiors and the landscape, respecting the original beauty.”
The environments have been designed to meet different needs: lounges, suites, living/dining areas coexist in a sophisticated open-space , where materials such as fine leathers, polished metals, natural stones and warm fabrics create a refined and welcoming atmosphere. Some custom-made furnishings are customized to transform from a coffee-table into a work surface or a work of art, showing a functional versatility typical of a contemporary living room in the mountains.
The choice of recovered larch wood takes on a central role: not only a construction material, but an element that tells history, territory and authenticity. The large windows, on the other hand, allow the light of the Dolomites to permeate the rooms and create plays of reflections on the texture of the wood, in a continuous cross-reference between inside and outside.
“Chalet Cortina” represents an excellent synthesis of design, craftsmanship and alpine landscape. It is a project that not only respects the local tradition, but reinterprets it in a contemporary key, offering a refined, functional environment deeply connected to the mountains. For those looking for an exclusive refuge where the art of living and nature meet, this is the ideal realization.
INFO/PHORO COURTESY: Francesco Truci – Camron Global