Platinum Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2024

Natural Connection: OLM Nature Escape Eco-Aparthotel Project

Architecture

Sustainable & Green Architecture

Completed / Professional Category

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Architect / Designer:

Andreas Gruber

Studio:

Andreas Gruber Architekten AGA

Design Team:

Christian Lechner, Carron Family – Owners

Andreas Gruber – Architect

Thomas Steiner – Concept & Strategie

Copyright:

Hannes Niederkofler

Country:

Italy

OLM Nature Escape is a Eco Aparthotel in Campo Tures (BZ) – 39032 South Tyrol – Italy. An Eco Aparthotel completely energy self-sufficient. OLM Nature Escape is a 4-star superior Eco Aparthotel . With a unique vision based on the cycle of nature, OLM stands out for its commitment to the environment, ecology and sustainability. OLM Nature Escape is considered the first completely autonomous tourist resort in the Alps. With an innovative approach, the resort is equipped with an autonomous energy system, including photovoltaics, geothermal and hydroelectric power, and an artesian well to ensure a CO2-neutral implementation. 126 geothermal probes at a depth of 120 m and more than 2,000 of photovoltaic panels ensure an annual energy surplus.
Urbanistically it is a quantitatively and qualitatively respected expansion. The 33 Eco ApartSuites feature an elegant Alpine style. Entirely clad in larch wood and furnished with natural materials. OLM is more than an accommodation facility: it is an architectural work inspired by the beauty and cyclical nature. Its round shape, a symbol of continuity, and the use of natural and sustainable materials evoke a traditional millstone, representing a tribute to the cycle of life and harmony with the surrounding environment. This project was guided by keywords such as bio-architecture, short supply chain, autonomous energy and sustainable water resources. OLM Nature Escape is a member of Ecoluxury, Green Pearls and Change Marker Hotels. Worldwide, these associations include only selected companies that promote sustainability in as many sectors as possible. OLM is GSTC certified for its commitment to sustainable tourism. This label is assigned by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and is considered an international guarantee for sustainable tourism. It is also accompained by the IDM Level 3 sustainability certificate. OLM has received ClimateHouse A certification. During the construction of the building, we paid attention not only to energy efficiency, but also to environmental impact and the health and well-being of our guests. In addition, we chose to invest in sustainable water management, indoor air quality and the usage of natural light, to create a healthy indoor climate. The project is innovative, modern and sustainable. Our concept is trendy and different from the ordinary, and there is a lack of similar structures with this size, larger than 30 apart-suites. A development orientation, which is based on the concept of green economy, thanks to the implementation of new technologies, and entrepreneurial strategies related to sustainable development, starting with the design. The environmental and social theme is the basis and heart of the business strategy: the objective is to create and develop new services and innovative experiences, through an authentic offer, respect for nature, places and local communities.

OLM Nature Escape is a Eco Aparthotel in Campo Tures (BZ) – 39032 South Tyrol – Italy. An Eco Aparthotel completely energy self-sufficient. OLM Nature Escape is a 4-star superior Eco Aparthotel . With a unique vision based on the cycle of nature, OLM stands out for its commitment to the environment, ecology and sustainability. OLM Nature Escape is considered the first completely autonomous tourist resort in the Alps. With an innovative approach, the resort is equipped with an autonomous energy system, including photovoltaics, geothermal and hydroelectric power, and an artesian well to ensure a CO2-neutral implementation. 126 geothermal probes at a depth of 120 m and more than 2,000 of photovoltaic panels ensure an annual energy surplus.
Urbanistically it is a quantitatively and qualitatively respected expansion. The 33 Eco ApartSuites feature an elegant Alpine style. Entirely clad in larch wood and furnished with natural materials. OLM is more than an accommodation facility: it is an architectural work inspired by the beauty and cyclical nature. Its round shape, a symbol of continuity, and the use of natural and sustainable materials evoke a traditional millstone, representing a tribute to the cycle of life and harmony with the surrounding environment. This project was guided by keywords such as bio-architecture, short supply chain, autonomous energy and sustainable water resources. OLM Nature Escape is a member of Ecoluxury, Green Pearls and Change Marker Hotels. Worldwide, these associations include only selected companies that promote sustainability in as many sectors as possible. OLM is GSTC certified for its commitment to sustainable tourism. This label is assigned by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and is considered an international guarantee for sustainable tourism. It is also accompained by the IDM Level 3 sustainability certificate. OLM has received ClimateHouse A certification. During the construction of the building, we paid attention not only to energy efficiency, but also to environmental impact and the health and well-being of our guests. In addition, we chose to invest in sustainable water management, indoor air quality and the usage of natural light, to create a healthy indoor climate. The project is innovative, modern and sustainable. Our concept is trendy and different from the ordinary, and there is a lack of similar structures with this size, larger than 30 apart-suites. A development orientation, which is based on the concept of green economy, thanks to the implementation of new technologies, and entrepreneurial strategies related to sustainable development, starting with the design. The environmental and social theme is the basis and heart of the business strategy: the objective is to create and develop new services and innovative experiences, through an authentic offer, respect for nature, places and local communities.

Andreas Gruber Architekten AGA

Architect Andreas Gruber is committed to individual architecture with special quality standards and recognition value. Quality with consideration of sustainable, socio-economic interests is the highest premise, both in object planning and in the planning of new settlement landscapes and public space. Respectful and extremely careful is his treatment of the natural landscape. He loves special challenges.

Core sectors
In addition to object planning, architect Andreas Gruber is also an expert in spatial planning, implementation planning and ensemble protection. Andreas Gruber leitet Seminare und wirkt als Fachjuror in Architekturwettbewerben für Objektplanung und Siedlungsplanung mit.

His focus in object planning includes residential buildings, hotel buildings, agricultural or commercial businesses, new buildings, conversions or renovations. For him, quality means innovative, state-of-the-art building culture that has its roots in tradition. One focus is on hotel construction.