'la forestale' is a luxury ecolodge immersed in the italian landscape

nestled in the heart of a nature reserve in the marche region of central italy, ‘la forestale’ is a luxury ecolodge created by eric merlin. the realization of the project saw an abandoned forest guard building from 1954 sustainability renovated to offer guests a place of peace immersed in nature. the project, which has five guest rooms, prioritizes views of the surroundings, and seeks to make a minimal impact on its bucolic setting. consequently, the lodge favors renewable energies and aims reduce its energy dependence.

all images courtesy of la forestale

to meet the criteria of environmental sustainability, it was decided to utilize a photovoltaic system to produce electricity. the specially designed system comprises a total of 54 of LG’s NeON 2 N1C-N5 solar panels, with a storage system that is capable of storing excess energy. these panels have been integrated throughout the design, occupying the roof of the building as well as protruding from its timber façades.

the building is entirely covered in wood provided by norwegian firm kebony. obtained from sustainable sources, the timber is treated so that it permanently assumes the properties of tropical wood — specifically increased durability, hardness, and dimensional stability. this process not only improves the physical properties of the material, but also contributes to its unique appearance with the building taking on a harmonious silver-gray patina over time.

project info:

name: la forestale

location: acqualagna, italy