Architecture practice Marx/Ladurner Architekten, a duo of heritage and design

Founded by Stephan Marx and Elke Ladurner, the studio's work is never shy of a making a statement in often built-up zones where space, views, legacy and approval rank high. Their mantra is to distil what you can and cannot build in the interests of creating something that will inspire, feel like it was always there and will be an attraction to the village, hamlet or city. Working across the board from commercial, residential and hotel concepts, Marx/Ladurner architects always master the principles of form, design, functionality and presence into their building culture.

Often restoration becomes and integral element of their creations - such as at the Hotel Weißes Kreuz Burgeis whereby Architects Stefan Marx and Elke Ladurner brought the 800-year-old group of buildings into the present. With great care, attention and respect. The Mansion zum Löwen is today a prime example of successful architecture in South Tyrol: old and new, the traditional and the modern, united in one harmonious whole. Elke Ladurner and Stefan Marx have restored the Mansion zum Löwen to its former glory: it is again the centre of village life in Burgeis/Burgusio.

The director of the Antiquities and Monuments Office put it very aptly: ... "the Mansion zum Löwen went from being a problem child to become a model pupil".

Adding to the structures is a wing that enthuses towards mountain views and Alpine modernity in a masterpiece of contrasting architecture. South Tyrolean in nature, global in appeal - this is linear, familiar and utterly different.  The marriage of heritage and new works and its smooth interaction from Medieval ramparts to floor to ceiling lofts of contemporary styling.

An architectural philosophy that puts the Venosta Valley firmly on the design map, and is featured in the recent Blueprint Beauts, a style publication and magazine by The Aficionados.

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.