hotel W verbier
completed
2013
responsibilties
interior design
programme
14200 sqm, 123 rooms
location
verbier, ch
completed
2013
responsibilties
interior design
programme
14200 sqm, 123 rooms
location
verbier, ch
Concrete designed the interior of the new W hotel in Verbier Switzerland. Inspired by the dynamic carving of skis through snow, it brings an indelible, distinct New York City glamour to the ski resort in the Swiss Alps.
For the global lifestyle brand’s first alpine and ski retreat, concrete wanted to provide guests with an unforgettable experience using interiors that complement and contrast the breathtaking scenery around the hotel. The design features smooth lines that carve through the spaces; a movement that derives directly from the tracks left by the activities in the mountains Verbier is so famous for: the carved slopes during wintertime or the smooth mountain bike tracks in summer. The famous Verbier mountains have been brought into the hotel by reinterpreting local elements in a contemporary way and creating a juxtaposition to reflect the simplicity, beauty and energy of Verbier and the contemporary cool of New York by using contrasting materials.
the social heart
A few steps down from the welcome pods, passing the ‘whatever/whenever’ concierge’s desk, guests come to the lounge area. In this area the notion of Swiss chalet life is brought into the glamorous world of W. The cosy, 10mx3m wooden block with carved out seating elements and fireplaces offers a spectacular view down the valley from the W Livingroom. As a contrast, a carved light feature made of different types of wood is suspended above it, following its footprint. The wood is accompanied by other natural materials such as leather, felt, wool and fur which contrast with the black and silver glossy materials featured at the core of the living room and the white, glacier inspired glass bar at the opposite end of the lounge block. The lounge flows into a terrace where guests can chill in bulb chairs overlooking the spectacular scenery.
a landscape to inhabit
The Giant Staircase is situated next to the living room in one of the glass atriums connecting the four chalet buildings. In these atriums the landscape appears to continue inside, creating a link between the mountain slopes above and the views of the valley below. The mountain flows into a giant staircase with comfortable benches where guests can relax, hang out, meet and flirt. During the day they can enjoy the spectacular view down the valley whereas at night the staircase is illuminated in deep red light to create an intimate mood. The staircase features a signal red tunnel, a contemporary reference to the Swiss railway system, that leads inside the mountain to the entrance of W Verbier’s exclusive destination bar, Carve.
hidden inside the mountain
After their daily activities, guests can dance the night away at CARVE bar. This secret bar is hidden in the mountain and can only be accessed by entering a signal red tunnel through the giant staircase. All the walls of CARVE feature signature benches in black leather which continue as upholstered leather panels on the walls and ceiling. The benches have various depths which makes them appear to be carved out from the material. In the middle of the ceiling a vast field of backlit convex mirrors visually multiply everything that happens on the dance floor.
unwind, relax, recharge
Carved into the mountain, the Away Spa is designed as a spatial journey from light to dark and from geometric to organic forms. Guests move through a sequence of hammams, whirlpools, saunas and steam baths that appear sculpted directly from the natural stone landscape, while materials gradually shift from bright and refined to darker and more intimate. The experience culminates in the oval shaped treatment rooms finished in black and soft gold, before leading back toward the illuminated indoor-outdoor pool where guests can swim beneath the stars and surrounded by snow.
alpine escapism
The upper floors of the four chalet buildings are dedicated to suites, each with its own unique layout and character, creating the feeling of a boutique hotel within the hotel. Ranging from intimate alpine hideaways to expansive private retreats, the suites combine panoramic mountain views with sculptural wooden elements, mezzanine levels and dramatic staircases. The two signature suites, WOW and E-WOW, elevate the experience further with vast private balconies, jacuzzis and playful statement features such as a rotating bed overlooking the valley.
"The mountain is not treated as a backdrop, but as the starting point of the design itself. Materials, movement and atmosphere are all shaped by the rhythms, textures and contrasts of alpine life."
facts & figures
total area 14200 sqm
number of rooms 123
concrete
responsibilities interior design
team rob wagemans, lisa hassanzadeh, daniel schröter, keshia groenendaal, paula gäbel, femke zumbrink, sofie ruytenberg, erik van dillen
partners & collaborators
client les trois rocs, ch
project architect lisa hassanzadeh, nl
architect building architecture stéphane & vincent luisier in collaboration with fima architecture, ch
photography yves garneau
awards
gold key award winner best lobby luxury
luxury travel guide winner luxury modern hotel of the year 2016
world luxury hotel awards global winner luxury ski hotel
world luxury hotel awards continent winner luxury mountain resort
world luxury hotel awards global winner luxury ski resort
world luxury hotel awards continent winner luxury mountain hotel & resort
european hotel design awards finalist best spa & wellness design
european hotel design awards finalist best bar design
best of year award finalist best hotel interior design
world luxury hotel awards globally nominated luxury ski resort
