Take a peek inside this Cortina chalet by Henge
This Cortina chalet is the the collaborative creation of designer and architect Isabella Genovese and Henge founder Paolo Tormena
Cortina d'Ampezzo, the picturesque jewel of the Italian Dolomites, has long been celebrated for its harmonious blend of aesthetic tradition and innovation. Cortina's timeless charm and boundless possibilities have attracted visitors since the early 1900s. Today, nearby Tofane, Cinque Torri and Cristallo moutains continue to captivate, not only as a winter wonderland but as a year-round hub for sports, cinema, art, and design.
Chalet Henge is set within this iconic backdrop. A private retreat, cocooned among serene fir trees, it is the collaborative creation of designer and architect Isabella Genovese and Paolo Tormena, the visionary founder of Henge – an Italian company globally renowned for redefining material exploration in design.
Cortina Chalet by Henge
The Chalet embraces the region's history and traditions. Its exterior and interior feature larch wood from traditional barns, known as tabiàs, balanced with a rich tapestry of sartorial details, metals, precious stones, and fabrics. Genovese's design preserves historical integrity while enhancing its aesthetic.
As Genovese and Tormena explain, 'It was fun to develop this interior design project together. Typically, chalets are made of an abundance of wood. It was clear from the beginning that we needed to counterbalance this significant presence using other materials. We used stone, metal, and textiles with a distinctive colour palette to achieve the best possible harmony between elements.'
Inside, Chalet Henge seamlessly blends form and function. Large windows and glass panels flood the spaces with the gentle, fascinating ever-changing light of the Dolomites, creating an ambience of warmth and tranquillity. The chalet's layout epitomises comfort and conviviality, making it the heart of the project. And of course, a selected range of Henge's exquisite furniture adorns the interior, elevating the living spaces.
Among these exceptional pieces are the Strip chairs and SR coffee table by Massimo Castagna, as well as Sisma table, Tubular lighting fixtures, and Origami coffee table by Ugo Cacciatori. Additionally, the chalet features a selection of sofas and armchairs, including the Tambourine, Bug, Downtown, and Gelly Pouf.
These pieces represent Henge's commitment to quality and exemplify how the fusion of fine materials and impeccable craftsmanship can create a harmonious living space that transcends mere functionality. Within this remarkable chalet, tradition converges with innovation, resulting that a visit is in itself is nothing else than a special experience.
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Maria Cristina Didero is an independent design curator, consultant and author, who has contributed to many publications over the years. Didero has consulted for companies such as Vitra, Fritz Hansen, Lexus, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Valextra among others. Based in Milan, she works internationally, curating exhibitions for institutions: some of her most recent projects include Nendo: The Space in Between and The Conversation Show at the Holon Design Museum, Israel; FUN HOUSE by Snarkitecture at National Building Museum, Washington D.C.; SuperDesign a project about Italian radical design, NY; Vegan Design, or the Art of Reduction by Erez Nevi and The Fish and The Crowd by Carlo Massoud, Milan. In April 2022 she curated a Mathieu Lehanneur exhibition at the Triennale in Milan called The Inventory of Life, while in July she debuted a project at the MK&G in Hamburg titled Ask Me if I Believe in the Future, alongside a series of ongoing collaborations. She was appointed 2022 Curatorial Director of Design Miami/. She is currently preparing two projects for Milan Design Week 2023.
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