The architect Rinaldo del Nero built the “Terra del Sole” restaurant, a new building made from natural materials in the Valtellina valley in Lombardy in northern Italy. The restaurant is surrounded by a panoramic view of the Alps, dense forests and the River Adda. The aim was to translate this beautiful natural environment into the interior of the restaurant; nature was to be felt in the rooms and the focus was on the elements of earth, sun, forest and cave. The walls in the entrance area are made of clay and straw. There is also a stone counter and wall shelves made of untreated wood. Clay reflects visible and tangible naturalness like no other building material.
The YOSIMA clay design plaster with the “straw” additive was used for the visible effect. The pleasant indoor climate is noticeable thanks to the breathable and moisture-regulating properties of the clay. A lounge leads behind the entrance area into the main room. Niches in the room are ideally accentuated by the radiant daylight or, in the dark, by the glow of the ceiling lighting. The tables are complemented by chairs made of straw and wood. Birch trunks evoke the feeling of the forest and form the forest area. From there you enter the grotto, while the two soapstone “lavec” pots in the bathroom symbolize craftsmanship and tradition. Overall, the restaurant is just one part of Terra del Sole, an area that extends over 57,000 square meters. In addition to the restaurant, there is an organic kiwi farm, an adjacent park, a farm store and much more to discover.
