Messner Architects is an architectural practice founded by young siblings David and Verena Messner, based on the Renon Plateau near Bolzano.
Their contemporary approach results in the development of high-quality projects, designed for the needs of the users and the location.
The designers were responsible for the reconstruction and redesign of the Zentral restaurant in Collalbo, with the aim of making the room more attractive, wider and brighter.
The changes include the windows in the west and south facades, which have been extended to the ground to allow natural light to flood the restaurant.
The arches continue from the north façade to the west and south façades, thanks to which the windows connect the outside space with the inside, inviting passers-by to enter the premises. On the south façade, the sun-shaded windows open onto a pretty garden, which can be accessed from the sides by opening wooden elements inserted in the glass façades.
Entering the restaurant, one finds oneself in a cosy, familiar yet modern and sophisticated environment. The bar area with comfortable chairs arranged between the niches of the glass arches invites you to linger and let yourself be carried away by the events of the village street. The bar counter covered with a black slab of Gneis stone and walnut wood carvings is illuminated by a ceiling depression. Continuing southwards, we enter the restaurant area where comfortable, almost suspended walnut and anthracite grey wooden benches await us to enjoy some food. A free-standing central wall, also clad with Gneis stone and walnut wood, separates the spaces and serves as the centre of the room, from where the bar, kitchen, restaurant, storage room, garden and WC can be accessed.
Strips of oak wood cover the ceiling of the bar and restaurant, guiding visitors through the two areas with a light strip and making the rooms cosy and comfortable for a pleasant stay. Lamps created by designer Antoinette Bader illuminate the spaces with a warm light. In addition, for more flexibility in organising the spaces, guides have been inserted to allow the position of the lights to be varied.
PROJECT Cafe Restaurant Zentral
ARCHITECT Messner Architects
LOCATION Collalbo sul Reno
YEAR 2019
PHOTO Oliver Jaist
