Situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Six Senses Crans Montana Hotel and Residences is inscribed in the site as a powerful, tectonic structure. AW² studied the perception of the surrounding mountains, mirroring the natural environment, to design a project that integrates into the landscape.

The arrival point, right in the heart of the mountain, as it were, forms the starting point a ‘journey’ through the site, an upwards journey towards the light. This journey takes you from the depths of the mountain cave, up through the valleys, the forests and trees, to finally emerge above the treetops, taking in the views and the bright rays of sunlight shining through the pine needles and onto the snow.

The first experience visitors have of the project is therefore the entry tunnel leading you into the drop off space. This vast space is lined in stone, with a rhythm of linear lights around. The ceiling is designed as timber structure with its lines recreating the stone facets found in a mountain cave. It is like a contemporary expression of the grotto.

For the suites, we wanted to create a sense of ‘coming in from the cold’. The idea that the space is a cabin in the woods, a space to feel warm and safe, while in direct contact with surrounding nature. The rooms are thus lined in rough timber planks and stone-coloured wall render. The windows run the full width, with vast private balconies, taking in the views onto the ski slopes, forest and valley. The natural colour tones of the room were chosen to reinforce the idea of nature. The timber walls open with sliding panels into the bathroom space, which – as if carved into the mountain- is lined in stone.

While the details and materials of the indoor pool are the same as the rest of the project, the space was thought-out as a mountain cave pool. The stone lined walls and floors are juxtaposed to the sculptured ceiling in wood. The reflection of the timber ceiling battens – 15 000 of them – in the water creates a play of light with the sunlight filtering through the exterior courtyard lined in birch trees. This is a space that is suspended in time, where the seasons become part of the experience with the white snows in winter and the green leaves of the trees in summer.

The spa at Six Senses Crans-Montana is a major part of the project with over 2000 square metres of space at the heart of the building. The treatment rooms, which we imagined as mountain cabins in the woods, are organised around the Alpine Garden, putting them in direct contact with nature outside.  These timber-lined rooms contrast with the green of the trees outside. The wet treatment area offers a unique moment in multi sensorial experiences, all within the curved walled space. As if excavated directly into the mountain face.

We opened the facades directly onto the surrounding forests and views. But, because the footprint is so large, we wanted more. So, we decided to ‘insert’ a giant garden at the heart of the building. It is a vast space, fully landscaped with native trees and plants. It is framed by a steel superstructure that defines it as part of the architecture. It sets up the façade within to bring light to the rooms around it. The space is also used as an external circulation route, with its suspended wooden walkway, reminiscent of the locally found ‘bisse’, a traditional system of paths and wooden structures found in the mountains, used to irrigate the fields below.

Between the two chalet structures, the terrace is organised around the main outdoor swimming pool. The space opens towards the east and the forest. The outdoors provides various areas to lounge, sit by the fire pit, interact or watch a movie on the outdoor cinema screen. It all connects back to the interior lounge and its long stone bar counter, engendering the space with a sense of depth.

The experience of contact with the mountain is complete with the choice of materials. The quartzite, larch and oak, and the slate roof are a direct reference to traditional local dwellings. Inside the hotel, the materials used are, among others, polished natural stone and brushed and textured antique bronze. The atypical wall finishes were inspired by Valaisan embroidery of thick natural leather and natural textiles of wool. Furniture, designed and specified by AW², brings a modern touch while maintaining the spirit of the Swiss chalet.