Architects Mahlknecht-Comploi: Where Art and Architecture Collide

With offices in both St Ulrich and Brixen of South Tyrol, Italy, we came across the work of Mahlknecht-Comploi Architects when member hotel Casa Al Sole came on board The Aficionados, its debut in our stunning Alchemists of Italy edition. A meticulous restoration of purity and simplicity, Casa Al Sole is found in lush Val Gardena.

We were compelled to glen more detail about the construction and design of Casa Al Sole, and in doing so we delved deeper into Mahlknecht-Comploi’s modus operandi. Rarely have we heard an architect speak so beautifully about their craft, when we connected with Igor Comploi. 

Together with Thomas Mahlknecht, the architectural practice was set up in 1995, forming into a collaborative office by 2005. Their design retrospective lies mostly with stunning private construction projects dotted around alpine villages in the forests, yet more recently they’ve worked within tourism, hence the project with Casa Al Sole. 

Igor Comploi is clearly a man made up of many dynamic facets. He cites art as a major influence on his life, the architectural practice and the way the studio approach their projects. He likens the architectural firm’s work to the artist Agnes Martin (1912 – 2004), who crafted paintings in which each line was drawn freely by hand, resulting in a work that is entirely unique in form and colour. Igor says that “Similarly, through our spatial design, we endeavour to evoke emotions in the viewer, rendering our architecture uniquely impactful. In architecture, the interplay of proportions, materials, and light takes precedence. These elements shape the space, which should be viewed as a cohesive whole, thereby influencing our wellbeing.”

He also calls into play the dramatic light and dark chiaroscuro techniques employed by Renaissance artist Caravaggio, suggesting that Mahlknecht-Comploi’s deliberate use of shadow throws emphasis by controlled and targeted use of light. He talks of “intentional ‘disruptions’ that are incorporated to heighten perception. These can be generated through interplay of light and shadow or by the tactile nature of materials.” We see this on House Es, set against the forests of South Tyrol, where the new attic extension is created in blackened wood, to camouflage its new height. 

Also to be noted is the general lack of vibrant colours in their designs and interior schemes, preferring to express ideas using the tactility of materials and fabrics, and natural inspirations like black-glazed spruce and untreated timbers, as seen in residential forest dwelling, Almutte D.

It seems like no surprise that this poised architecture studio are heavily involved with the art world. As well as a deep appreciation for art, Mahlknecht-Comploi have collaborated with art galleries and exhibition design - their deep respect and connection with art proving an artistic springboard in the best showcasing of art. The architects also play an active role in Sculpture Biennial held in the Dolomites, now in its eighth year. 

A rolling symbiosis occurs when Mahlknecht-Comploi approach a project, where light, shadow art and design come together to create spaces that simply feel good.

Discover South Tyrol with our 25 fabulous hotels - From its perch in northern Italy, South Tyrol, or Alto Adige as it is also known, is a jewel of ancient cultures set in the mighty crown of the Alps. Nestled among the Dolomite mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage site) a marriage of languages and cultures comes together in the area’s healing spa towns, medieval hamlets, fairytale castles, wine trails and foodie destinations.

Known primarily for skiing, South Tyrol is also a year-round home to hiking, mountain biking and strolling through the botanical gardens at the base of its snow-capped mountains. At the end of the day, cap it all off with a signature hay bath or a dip in the healing thermal waters. This hidden Alpine part of Italy is well worth travelling to.

This is the South Tyrol where Austria snugs up to Italy.