Located high in the Alpine region of Montes, situated in the Male area near Trento this residential and public space design project emerged from a profound exercise in empathy: imagining life as an insider in a remote community bound by nature. Rather than approaching the design from the outside looking in, we sought to “become one of them,” temporarily adopting the rhythms, rituals, and values of local inhabitants. This method allowed us to identify critical needs—safe circulation in snowy terrains, communal areas for social bonding, and living spaces attuned to extreme weather conditions.

During our exploration of the village, we discovered a distinctive urban feature: stone tunnels that serve as vital passageways, linking the village’s main road to the secondary streets. These tunnels not only facilitate movement but also provide respite from the harsh weather conditions prevalent in this mountainous region.

Inspired by these horizontal tunnels, the project takes a bold departure by long and narrow tunnels that connects streets to courtyards and to the entrence of the residential unit. These narrow spaces serve as a journey and a unconscious verge that occurs naturally for nonresidents.

The House in the Alps project blends modern architecture with the traditional setting of Montes. By incorporating locally sourced materials like stone and concrete, the design complements the town’s historic architecture, preserving and enhancing its cultural heritage. Maintaining harmony with nature proved equally vital. Our design integrates terraces and vantage points overlooking the valley. Subtle architectural gestures, from roof slopes designed to channel snowmelt into community gardens to carefully scaled facades, underscore our respect for both the cultural identity of Montes and the powerful forces of the Alpine environment. Through this approach, the proposed scheme aspires to honor the spirit of a close-knit mountain society while reinforcing a genuine, human-centered sense of place.