messner architects nestles a grocery store into the italian landscape

messner architects nestles a grocery store into the italian landscape
images © meraner & hauser photography

messner architects has developed a grocery store in collalbo, italy, where the focal point is the morphological aspects of the alpine village’s terrain. the positioning and orientation of the building takes into consideration an existing road and the undulating meadows sloping gently in an eastward direction.

the walls act as part of the landscape while the roof’s stringent body counteracts with the surroundings

a retaining wall has been built on the uphill side, ascending in a westward direction and falling off in the east. it embraces the site and continues southwards, forming the boundary of the property. the store is accessed from the main street, leading straight to the parking area. the rear gap between the building and the surrounding barrier works as a hidden space for storing goods.

the shelves for the food display are made of stainless steel and the counter is sawn larch wood

the slightly cantilevered roof sits on three pillars, creating a sheltered forecourt that allows for market-like situations. its generous cut-outs let the light flow down, giving it an almost floating sensation. the curved glass façade lies autonomous from the statical system and also gives a feeling of transparency and airiness. 

the cut-outs give lightness to the roof while illuminating the covered forecourt

the humble supermarket hosts a fruit and produce market, alongside a flower shop, and includes administrative spaces, stock room, bath room and heater room. while the private areas are located northwards, forming the backbone of the building, the public shopping section opens to the south.

the stone wall are part of the characteristic elements of the area

the roof cut-outs give lightness to the roof

detail view of the curved glass façade and one of the three supporting pillars

view of the roof with monte sciliar in the background

the roof’s skylights illuminate the interiors

the shop is nestled between a wooded hill and the bypassing road

project information:

design team: david messner, verena messner, angelika mair (interior design)
structural analysis: karl angerer

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