The stars are aligned: rustic architecture reinterpreted

When craftsmanship, history, and a clear vision for design come together, special spaces are created. This is exactly what has happened in the new restaurant at Tgesa Romana. A ceiling has recently been installed there that is more than just a structure—it is a piece of Alpine identity, reinterpreted for a building that has its sights set on the future as well as its roots.
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‍A ceiling like a starry sky

The stars are aligned—literally. The new wooden ceiling, designed specifically for Tgesa Romana, is reminiscent of traditional Alpine architecture while bringing a calm, contemporary aesthetic to the space. The structure appears light, almost floating, and bathes the restaurant in a warm, inviting light.

It combines everything that defines our establishment: authenticity, modern standards, and an appreciation for wood as a material. Here, you can sit, eat, laugh—and feel close to the mountains that characterize Savognin.

The handwriting: Doris Ambühl

The design is the work of interior designer Doris Ambühl, who herself grew up in a mountain hotel in Graubünden. Perhaps it is precisely this upbringing surrounded by beams, the smell of wood, and hotel stories that makes her design seem so natural and yet so refined.

After studying at Chelsea College of Art and Design in London and working as an interior design consultant at Zingg-Lamprecht, she founded the studio RoomDresser together with Martin Piffer in 2008. RoomDresserin 2008. Her work combines clean lines, warm materials, and a flair for spaces that make people feel welcome. The designer also created our six new vacation apartments —each one a highlight in its own right.

"Stars have something universal about them: they remind us of childhood, of gazing up at the night sky, of moments of peace and wonder." – Doris Ambühl, founder RoomDresser

The implementation: ARBES – manufactured with care

The custom-made star ceiling was created in collaboration with ARBES, the sheltered workshop of the Psychiatric Services of Graubünden (PDGR) for people with mental disabilities. The stars were carefully crafted by hand. Every slat, every cut, every connection is an expression of precision and dedication. The fact that a social partner is part of this project makes the new restaurant atmosphere even more meaningful to us.

It's a wonderful feeling to know that people have worked here who see such projects not just as a job, but as a way to get involved.

A space that connects

The restaurant at Tgesa Romana is intended to be a place where you sit down and immediately feel that everything is just right. The new ceiling plays a central role in creating this feeling. It holds the room together without dominating it. It creates warmth without being obtrusive. And it shows how Alpine tradition can be reimagined without losing its essence.

When the wind blows through the Surse Valley outside and the aroma of wood-fired pizza wafts through the air inside, everything comes together: the architecture, the light, the moment. It's exactly how we imagined it would be.

We look forward to welcoming you soon under our starry sky!

Your host family

Gruber

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7 questions for Doris Ambühl, founder of RoomDresser
and interior designer of the new Tgesa Romana

What inspired you to design a blanket reminiscent of a starry sky?

During a walk through Savognin, Sascha showed me the old houses of his homeland, and I was immediately fascinated by the lovely details on the facades. These traditional decorations, often featuring stars and floral patterns, tell of the care with which people used to design their homes.

How do stars change the atmosphere in a room?

Stars have something universal about them: they remind us of childhood, of gazing up at the night sky, of moments of peace and wonder. This nostalgic connection evokes emotions and creates a feeling of security—exactly what is important in a dining room: people come together to eat, talk, and linger. The stars create a welcoming and magical atmosphere.

How do you manage to interpret traditional Alpine elements in such a way that they appear modern without losing their originality?

The mountain regions have a centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship—walls are painted, wood is carved, textiles are embroidered. These decorations are still alive today because they tell stories and personalize rooms. It was important to me to capture this spirit: an appreciation for craftsmanship and a love of detail.

Despite its rich history, the restaurant's design is very modern. 

For me, the key lies in reduction. Instead of opulent decorations, I focus on individual, carefully chosen elements—a simple star on the ceiling, an arched finish on the back of the bench. The materials remain authentic and showcase their natural beauty, but the design language is clear and contemporary. The result is not a nostalgic look back, but a lively interpretation.

What atmosphere did you want to create with the new ceiling in the Tgesa Romana restaurant?

The ceiling is often overlooked in interior design, even though it used to be a central design element, like stucco moldings. It was important to me to pay attention to this large surface and consciously integrate it into the overall design. The starting point was acoustics: for a pleasant atmosphere in a restaurant, it is essential that conversations are not drowned out and that the noise level remains comfortable. The new ceiling meets this functional requirement, but at the same time becomes a design element. 

You grew up in a mountain hotel. How does this background influence your work—especially in projects such as Tgesa Romana?

Having grown up in a mountain hotel, the connection between mountain regions and gastronomy has always been part of my life. I am familiar with the atmosphere, the expectations of guests, and the standards with which host families run their establishments. This was particularly helpful at Tgesa Romana: it was not just about aesthetics, but about values and the courage to try something new. I really enjoyed accompanying the family in this process—because I understood their vision both creatively and personally. It was a wonderful collaboration between equals, based on respect and love for the region.

The stars on the ceiling were made by ARBES. What does it mean to you personally to work with a socially committed craft business? 

The collaboration with ARBES was a real win-win situation. Especially with custom-made products such as this ceiling, you need partners who think for themselves, are flexible, and enjoy their craft—and that is exactly what sets companies like this apart.

You can feel the attention to detail in every step of the process: the care with which it is made and the pride in the end result. This attitude is transferred to the room—it is good energy that flows into the design.

The fact that ARBES is also a socially committed company that offers people prospects makes the collaboration even more valuable. It's not just about a beautiful product, but also about who we build with and how. For me, that's part of responsible design.