ANDATA e RITORNO

Originally created as a place dedicated to the flavours and products of the valley, Andata e Ritorno has expanded its identity over time, becoming a charming relais where hospitality, materials and wellbeing come together. No longer just a shop with a small tasting area, it is now a complete retreat in the heart of Rittana: a place to pause, stay overnight, experience the territory and rediscover a slower rhythm.

The new intervention revolves around Suite Cate, a space created from the home of Nonna Caterina, whose memory the project honours by preserving the spirit of the original walls. Stone, wood and light become the tools through which the history of the building is reinterpreted in a contemporary way, without erasing its rural soul.

Wood remains the absolute protagonist. Ancient beams, reclaimed boards, brushed planks and irregular uprights define the interiors with a strong, distinctive presence. Every element preserves the marks of time: knots, deep grain, cracks, shifts in tone and worn surfaces become an integral part of the project. These are not simple finishes, but materials that tell the story of the place.

The sleeping area is designed as an intimate and scenic alpine refuge. The double bed is framed by large solid-wood partitions, with a backlit headboard and horizontal boards that enhance the chromatic variations of the material. Beside it, the bunk beds follow the same language: sturdy structures, handcrafted ladders, aged-wood railings and integrated lighting turn a practical function into a warm and characterful architectural feature.

The space maintains a fluid visual continuity between sleeping area, living area, dining area and kitchen. The sofa, enclosed by timber uprights and light curtains, creates a soft threshold between the different functions. Fabrics in shades of taupe, brown and warm white, cushions with alpine motifs and softer textures balance the strong materiality of the wooden structures, making the space welcoming without diluting its character.

Textured walls, plastered vaults and exposed brick arches interact with the custom-made wooden elements. Bookcases, shelves, mirrors, benches, doors and storage units are conceived as parts of the same narrative: functional objects with a strong artisanal identity. Decorative details, such as the Corten steel artwork with alpine figures and the iron coat hooks shaped like mountain profiles, further strengthen the connection with the mountains and the valley landscape.

The kitchen strikes a precise balance between contemporary practicality and rustic language. The antique-wood cabinet fronts, lit with warm light, interact with the dark countertop, sink and black tapware. The pale wooden dining table, set beneath a geometric metal pendant lamp, preserves the original convivial spirit of Andata e Ritorno: the pleasure of sitting down, tasting, sharing and continuing the experience of the territory inside the suite.

In the bathrooms, wood meets mineral surfaces, large stone-effect slabs and glass partitions. The washbasin unit, built with natural wooden shelves and uprights, preserves the handcrafted character of the intervention; the shower, dark wall coverings and more technical details introduce an essential, contemporary note. The result is an environment consistent with the rest of the suite, yet more intimate and functional.

On the upper floor, the Private SPA completes the project, turning hospitality into a true wellbeing experience. Here, wood becomes a sensory element: flooring, chaise longues, sauna, railings and wall cladding create a warm, immersive atmosphere, in contrast with the existing stone wall. The Finnish sauna, hammam, sensory shower and relaxation area with herbal tea corner define a private space designed to slow down and regenerate in complete tranquillity.

The work carried out at Andata e Ritorno therefore does more than add new functions: it completes a journey. From the local-product shop to the tasting area, from the suite to the private spa, and through to the outdoor experiences connected with the territory, every space contributes to building a precise identity: a place of departure and return, where reclaimed wood preserves the memory of the house and transforms it into hospitality, comfort and atmosphere.