This is the location of the luxury 5-star Travel Charme Ifen Hotel, which is the result of the renovation of the legendary Ifen Hotel built in the 1930s by Hans Kirchhoff, the architect and builder from Hanover. Its original round structure situated on a rocky precipice provided a stunning panorama for the upmarket clientele it attracted, which included aristocrats and industrial entrepreneurs, and was a key part of the hotel's appeal. Thanks to its isolated position, aesthetic appeal and illustrious guests, the hotel became the symbol of Kleinwalsertal and offered the best of Alpine hospitality. Inspired by the original architecture, 70 years later in 2007, the professor and architect Hermann Kaufmann renovated and extended the premises, creating a design which is every bit as charismatic. Designed with sustainability criteria in mind, the new premises aim to fit into the landscape through the use of natural quality materials, with a focus on the optimum design of space and quality of life. The hotel consists of two separate buildings, a modern section designed in accordance with sustainable architecture criteria and built in wood throughout with smart rooms and suites, and a carefully renovated historic building dedicated to culinary excellence with two restaurants, a library, conference centre, lounge bar, fitness centre and spa. The eclectic work of the architect Lorenzo Bellini has produced timeless spaces for the interior design in a balanced contrast of styles, revamped with a modern twist and a natural ethos. Significant care has been taken over materials, colour and furnishings, to create understated and captivating surroundings in a relaxed atmosphere that still manage to surprise. Murogeopietra^® was chosen for the large wall in the PURIA premium spa, an exclusive centre covering 2300 m², which is dedicated to a full range of holistic treatments and client wellbeing. With 15 treatment rooms, private suites, saunas and steam baths, ice fountains and saltwater tubs, the centre is a hub of relaxation and pleasure for the senses. The extension has more recently also included a magnificent outdoor swimming pool.

Geopietra^® covering is installed on cladding in accordance with the tested and guaranteed Abitasistema^® solution with insulation panels of considerable thickness. The professional installation of this material contributes significantly to the aesthetics and functionality of the solution. Its natural appearance conceals technical aspects such as watertightness, optimum thermal inertia, water vapour resistance and low conductivity. The warm hues of the stone authentically link indoor and outdoor environments. Running along the 18 m of the covered saltwater swimming pool, Murogeopietra® continues outdoors past the large windows until reaching the panoramic hydromassage tub and the relaxation and garden areas. Murogeopietra^® enhances the beautiful terrace at the Travel Charme Ifen Hotel and overlooks the garden from Puria premium spa. The stone base accentuates the circular pattern of the historic building and emphasises the importance of its form. Murogeopietra^® integrates perfectly with the surrounding landscape and acts as a bridge between both types of architecture in the hotel, between design and nature, and between modern art and alpine tradition. Geopietra^® collection has an almost limitless range of stone profiles and shades which can be combined together. There are no design limits with Murogeopietra^®, be it the restoration of old walls or the creation of new solutions, there is something to suit all tastes and requirements.

Design: F+W Früh Wollasch Architekten, HK Architekten, Alpstein Architekten