Black Eagle: A Masterpiece of Alpine Architecture

Perathoner Architects' Award-Winning Design Merges Modernism and Tradition

Perathoner Architects' residential house, Black Eagle, is a unique blend of modern and traditional architecture, seamlessly integrated into the stunning landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.

Perathoner Architects' primary inspiration for the Black Eagle was to create a design that harmoniously merged with the surrounding natural alpine landscape. The steep terrain suggested a four-floor building with the first two levels partly below grade. The house presents a smaller front on the north side, while the main front faces the south side featuring large windows overlooking the beautiful mountains.

The Black Eagle stands out due to its unique architectural style. The modernist architecture with clean lines is complemented by echoes of architectural traditions, such as the use of local materials like stone and wood. The house was constructed according to high energy efficiency standards, respecting the rules of environmental sustainability of the materials.

The materials used in the construction of the Black Eagle include insulating bricks, larch wood, reinforced concrete, and Dolomia stone. Large windows flank two sides of the building, with the attic featuring floor-to-ceiling glass throughout. The residential area is about 2,000 m3, offering three separate living units and a large garage with a car lift that provides access to an underground parking space.

The design team faced significant challenges during the construction phase due to the area's ground motions. However, through meticulous planning and execution, they successfully overcame these obstacles. The harmonious integration of the architecture into the landscape and the conscientious implementation of energy-efficient solutions were the main goals of this project.

The project began in 2014 and was realized in 2015 in Selva of Val Gardena, Italy. The main challenge was to blend effortlessly modern and traditional design, using locally available materials like wood and Dolomia stones. The result is a house that not only stands as a testament to innovative design but also respects and enhances its natural surroundings.

The Black Eagle project was awarded Platinum in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award recognizes world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative designs that showcase unmatched professionalism, contribute to societal wellbeing, and advance the boundaries of art, science, design, and technology.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Perathoner Architects
Image Credits: Photographer: Arik Oberrauch, 2016
Project Team Members: Perathoner Rudolf Paschke Sebastian Holzknecht Ivan Perathoner Lea Demetz Philipp Mittermair Peter
Project Name: Black Eagle
Project Client: Perathoner Architects


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