Situated amidst the breathtaking landscape of Val di Fassa in northern Italy, the Olympic Spa Hotel undergoes a transformative expansion project led by the innovative minds at noa* network of architecture. With a focus on sustainability and harmonious integration with the surrounding environment, the hotel’s new extension aims to elevate the guest experience while celebrating the natural beauty of the Dolomites.
Redefining Integration: Design Philosophy
At the heart of noa*’s vision is the seamless integration of new spaces and functions into the existing hotel structure, with a commitment to preserving the integrity of the landscape. By shifting the focal point of the hotel towards the sloping forest behind it, the design creates a dialogue between architecture and nature. The addition of ten new rooms, partially buried along the slope, and a standalone sauna nestled amidst the treetops, enhances the hotel’s connection with its surroundings, offering guests a truly immersive experience.
Mimetic Architecture: Blending In with Nature
The architectural language employed by noa* seeks to blend the hotel seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Drawing inspiration from the jagged peaks of the mountains, the new building’s distinctive profile echoes the silhouette of the landscape, becoming a visual signature of the hotel. The choice of materials, including locally sourced grey plaster, further reinforces this mimetic approach, ensuring that the intervention harmonizes with the rugged terrain of the Dolomites.
Embracing Nature: Guest Experience Redefined
In the extension, every detail is meticulously crafted to enhance the guest experience and foster a deeper connection with nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows and spacious terraces offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, while internal patios bring the outdoors inside, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. Rooms named in the Ladin language pay homage to the region’s cultural heritage, with thoughtful design elements such as transparent walls, suspended beds, and natural vegetation creating a sense of tranquility and immersion.
Sustainable Practices: A Commitment to the Environment
Rooted in a sustainable ethos, the Olympic Spa Hotel extension embodies environmentally conscious design principles. From the use of locally sourced materials to the partial burial of the structure, every aspect of the project is carefully considered to minimize its ecological footprint. The hotel’s dedication to sustainability extends to its amenities, with initiatives such as providing pure mountain water from a nearby spring, aimed at reducing plastic bottle usage and promoting environmental stewardship.
Elevated Wellness: The Treetop Sauna Experience
A highlight of the extension is the new sauna, perched amidst the treetops and offering breathtaking views of the forest canopy. Crafted entirely from wood and clad in larch externally and spruce internally, the sauna blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Accessible via an aerial walkway, guests are invited to embark on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest.
In conclusion, the Olympic Spa Hotel extension represents a harmonious marriage of architecture and nature, where sustainable design principles intersect with immersive guest experiences to create a retreat that is both luxurious and environmentally conscious.
