RIFUGIO GRAFFER
Refurbishment and extension of a historic alpine refuge in the Brenta Dolomites.
Brenta Dolomites, Italy · Hospitality / Adaptive reuse · Competition entry · 2024 · 1,000 m²
Details
Rifugio Graffer is a refurbishment and extension proposal for a historic alpine refuge in the Brenta Dolomites, Italy. Developed by KOSY in collaboration with CRUSH Architects, the project improves the building’s arrival, restaurant capacity, guest experience, and internal circulation while preserving the character of the existing refuge.
The proposal adds a lightweight new volume to the southeast, creating a panoramic restaurant edge, balcony, and terrace with views across the Madonna di Campiglio mountain range. A new central stair improves movement between levels, while targeted structural and planning changes allow the refuge to operate more clearly across restaurant, accommodation, service, and back-of-house uses.
Project
Rifugio Graffer
Location
Brenta Dolomites, Italy
Client
Rifugio Graffer
Type
Hospitality / Adaptive reuse
Status
Competition entry
Stage
Concept proposal
Year
2024
Size
800 m² refurbishment + 200 m² extension / 4 levels
Program
Restaurant, bar, guest accommodation, terrace, kitchen, storage, back-of-house, administration
Collaborators
CRUSH Architects
Role
KOSY project in collaboration with CRUSH Architects
Alpine setting
The proposal works with the existing refuge’s exposed mountain setting, improving arrival, capacity, and views without competing with the surrounding Dolomites.
Targeted intervention
The new southeast volume improves arrival, restaurant capacity, terrace access, and panoramic views while keeping the existing refuge clearly legible.
Spatial reorganisation
The refurbishment clarifies the refuge across four levels, improving arrival, restaurant capacity, terrace access, guest accommodation, and back-of-house use within the existing alpine building.
Ground level
First level
Third level
Fourth level
Panoramic interior
The new stair and terrace improve movement through the refuge while opening guest and restaurant spaces toward the Madonna di Campiglio mountain range.
Careful intervention
Structural changes are concentrated to avoid existing underground constraints while supporting the new extension, terrace, and improved internal circulation.
Alpine refuge renewed
The extension updates the refuge’s public face and guest experience while maintaining the character of the existing mountain building.