The World of Hospitality Issue 30 2018 | Page 25

MKV DESIGN Materials are natural, textural and local – stone from the mountains, for example - achieving a sense of uninterrupted transition from the view outside to indoors. Breathtaking views notwithstanding, the experience of the public areas is cosy. Great care has been taken to create comfortable seating areas with rugs and deep armchairs to sink into, there are fireplaces to gather around and the colour palette is reassuringly earthy. The dizzying majesty outside is counterbalanced by a sense of rootedness inside. An astonishing, modernist construct with fully- glazed walls that overlook the mountains and valley from the public areas, every aspect of scale, height and axis of views was considered by the designers when planning the massing, the shape of the building and its internal layouts. The scenery is everything and the interior design is deliberately held in check to allow the natural world to be the star. There is little to no artwork. After all, who needs artwork when nature is so completely engaging? The reception lobby inside the Bürgenstock Hotel is shared by The Palace Hotel and features desk pods constructed of curved sawn timber and surrounded by beautiful tactile bronze panelled walls. In the centre of the space is a round fireplace surrounded by an eclectic mix of seating. From here, guests can be directed to The Palace Hotel, which is linked by a “museum corridor” displaying the fascinating history of the resort. Other key public areas in the Bürgenstock Hotel include: THE WORLD OF HOSPITALITY 23 Spices – a dedicated Asian restaurant situated on the Plaza level with virtually cliff-edge views of the lake. It is modern in design with Asian accents, a show kitchen with dark red, back- painted glass and extensive wine and accessory displays. Cigar lounge – situated next to the main lobby, the cigar lounge follows the lobby in its style of furnishings and colour scheme. Cinema – the intimate and deeply comfortable cinema has capacity for 16 people and its own dedicated bar. Wine cellar with a wine tasting lounge GUESTROOMS All the hotel’s 102 bedrooms direct guests toward the view from the moment the door opens, with a perfect flow of spaces from arrival through lounge areas to bedroom and then onto the huge window with an integrated seat - a space to sit and “touch” the majesty of nature. Materials are warm and natural, including bronze, timber and stone; they are quietly beautiful, intended to match the stunning view, not to fight it.