Interior design for Monte Marca - Fondazione Zegna

Perched at 1,616 meters, at the highest summit of the Bielmonte Alpine area, Rifugio Montemarca stands as a testament to the profound connection between the Zegna brand and its ancestral territory. Originally designed by architect Ernesto Giuliano Armani in 1956 as the arrival station for the chairlift connecting Bielmonte to Monte Marca’s peak, the refuge is accessible by chairlift or on foot.

From this privileged position, visitors enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views: to the south, the vista extends across the Po Valley to Monviso, while the northern outlook sweeps over Alta Valsessera to Monte Rosa. Here, “relaxation” is the keyword: traditional cuisine, magnificent panoramas, and the serene silence of the mountains create an authentic alpine experience.

The architectural intervention focuses on the dialogue between interior and exterior, with ribbon windows wrapping around the building’s perimeter, framing these spectacular views as living artworks. Inside, warm and welcoming spaces are designed to celebrate the panorama, featuring double-sided modular sofas that encourage conviviality while maintaining visual connection with the landscape.

Following the philosophy of “keep the bones, change the dress,” the interior scheme adapts throughout the seasons. The space is conceived as a flexible canvas that can be reconfigured for various events while maintaining its core identity. Seasonal variations in colors, textiles, and accessories reflect the changing mountain landscape, ensuring the refuge remains dynamic yet deeply rooted in its context.

This ongoing project seamlessly merges Zegna’s heritage with contemporary design sensibilities, creating an environment where authenticity meets innovation, and where every detail reinforces the deep bond between brand, territory, and user experience.

Copyright: Fondazione Zegna