The Parcloft is a unique design loft in the historic Plankenstein palace, itself located on Meran’s Elisabeth Park. Drawing on an idea by South Tyrolean architect Markus Scherer to reinvigorate a former retail outlet, the Parcloft has since 2021 been providing high-quality accommodation for up to four persons right in the heart of the city. This historic structure blends design icons and contemporary architecture with outstanding levels of comfort and hospitality. Shaded by the trees of the park and with direct views of the river and its famous promenade, this is very special accommodation indeed.
Loft
The loft is on two levels and features a cooking and dining area, a living room, two double beds on the historic gallery, a spacious bathroom with an all-glass shower unit and a separate bathroom with washbasin, toilet and bidet.
There is a fully equipped kitchen, sustainable local cosmetic products from Vitalis Dr. Joseph, a flat-screen TV, a library, a work area with Wi-Fi, comfortable box spring beds, a safe and an alarm system.
The loft is open, light and airy while, for greater privacy, there are roller blinds to darken the room and an attractive screen of Viennese mesh, not to mention doors between the individual living and sleeping areas.
Architecture
The Parcloft is located in the centre of Meran in the historic Plankenstein townhouse, a monumental residential and commercial structure in the form of a three-winged complex, built after the turn of the last century on the southern bank of the River Passer. Its is characterised by its continuous balconies, curved gables, flat-arch porticos and corner tower.
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Planned by master builder Pietro Delugan (1854-1923), it was constructed for his family in 1906-1907. As Meran’s first building of reinforced concrete, the Plankenstein has been a listed building since the 1980s and is today considered one of the most important edifices in the city’s history.
Architect Markus Scherer purchased the ground floor of one of the eight houses on the river side in 2002-2017. Part of this area has since 2003 housed his architectural studio, while the rooms behind the third arcade towards the centre of the building were refurbished in 2020-2021 and outfitted as the Parcloft.
Scherer is one of the region’s most renowned architects and has previously received numerous awards for his work involving existing buildings and renovations, for example Franzensfeste Fortress and Castle Tyrol.
The overall effect in the Parcloft is marked by an interplay of the historic structure with the gallery, renovated in the 1960s, and with certain new fixtures such as the bathrooms and the staircases, all of high-quality materials. The apartment furnishings represent a dialogue between historical furniture such as Thonet chairs, icons of Italian design such as the Lady armchairs by Marco Zanuso,
or the Parentesi lamp by the brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglione for the Flos lighting company – as well as a number of high-quality products custom-designed by Markus Scherer himself.
Location
The Parcloft enjoys a unique central location in Meran on the Elisabeth Park, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the River Passer and the imposing Wandelhalle that stands opposite. The loft is on the cycle way that runs to the Passeier Valley via the Gilf promenade. Both the city centre and the popular Tappeinerweg trail are just a few minutes away on foot.
Meran itself is located in the heart of the Alps, surrounded by mountains yet with a pleasing Mediterranean ambience. Here, thanks to the particularities of its location and history, is where historic Tyrol meets Italian charm. This traditional spa town is known for its warm hospitality and culinary delights: here too can be found the perfect balance of a rich cultural heritage and the peace and quiet of its natural surroundings.