OUT OF THE BLUE

Architect Stefan Rier’s alpine abode brings to mind a warm and cosy barn, albeit a tastefully appointed one with endearing eclectic elements

- MARTINA HUNGLINGER

Growing up in northern Italy, architect Stefan Rier, partner of Italian studio NOA architects, spent many winters of his childhood playing with his friends in the village’s hay barns. This nostalgic setting with open spaces and exposed wooden beams inspired his own home—a contemporary version of a hay barn, built 3,444 ft above sea level. Rier gave it contemporary architecture and a fantastic, surrealistic world that combines his idea of “Stefan in Wonderland” and Jacque Tati’s French film Mon Oncle. It also reflects his playful and humorous attitude towards life: two black (plastic) monkeys swing through the large space on pendant lamps and a whole colony of white mice dance on the exposed beams and sills. “At one point, I was asked by my wife Steffi, who has a more grounded approach to interior decoration, to restrain myself and not go too wild,” says R