Inside a Restored Alpine Apartment Designed for Silence, Warmth and Winter Living
Hidden in the mountains of Neuberg an der Mürz, this historic vaulted apartment explores how minimal intervention, preserved architecture and emotionally warm interiors can transform an old monastery-like space into a deeply comforting winter refuge.
The preserved vaulted ceilings became the emotional centre of the apartment
Rather than redesigning the apartment completely, the concept focused on subtraction: removing visual noise, preserving the white plaster walls and introducing softer materials, warmer lighting and psychologically protective spaces for long alpine winters.
A quieter interpretation of retreat living
Inspired partly by Japanese ryokan interiors, the rooms remain intentionally restrained. Linen curtains, pale timber, soft textiles and warm indirect light create an atmosphere that feels calm rather than minimalistic.
The apartment balances monastic calm with the comfort of an English country home
While the architecture remains almost monastic, the furnishing direction shifts gently toward the warmth of traditional English interiors: darker timber, layered textiles, books, softer seating and rooms designed for reading, recovery and long conversations during winter.
