Featured Project
Chrome-plated harmony
Located on the shore of the Melchsee lake in Switzerland, the “Frutt Family Lodge & Melchsee Apartments” hotel complex, which opened in 2015, affords a marvelous panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and lake. People coming here have always sought rest and relaxation, indeed, the Melchsee-Frutt region in the canton of Obwalden has since as long ago as 1865 been a popular health resort owing to its particularly beneficial climate. Architects Philip Loskant and Matthias Buser underscored the hotel’s special location with large glazed façades. They also put a strong emphasis on the hotel’s spa and bathrooms, which were outfitted by bathroom and sanitary specialist Hansgrohe based in the Black Forest. The new hotel has a sustainable energy concept where 90 percent of its electricity is generated from renewable sources. And to continue the concept in the details, single-lever mixers from the Hansgrohe Metris product line were chosen for the washstands in the rooms and suites, whose integrated water volume limiter “Ecostat Comfort” spares resources and at the same time keeps water and energy costs low.
Whereas in the guestroom bathrooms light colors and wooden surfaces dominate, as is characteristic of the local region, in the spa a wellness landscape in dark green and stone gray awaits guests. The light shining directly down from above the pool only reinforces the impression of being in a cave. “The treasures” of the wellness landscape on the basement level are the fittings in matte-gold-look: The fountain mixer Axor Starck V by designer Philippe Starck combines crystal glass and chrome with a sophisticated brushed-gold-look. The flush-mounted thermostats from the Axor Citterio collection in a warm gold tone also make a strong statement on the dark background. And in the shower the Axor LampShower by Nendo combines functionality with aesthetics: The showerhead with rainfall effect is simultaneously a ceiling luminaire emitting soft light. (am)
