The partially built brick-and-concrete structure on the site was inappropriate for a contemporary hotel and aesthetically out of tune with its remarkable natural surroundings, but the transformation project had to adhere to its existing construction conditions - floors and dimensions. The first step was the opening of the interior space to the outside, offering views of the adjacent river and canyon. The second involved designing the facade surfaces to better suit the setting. Other than the transparent sections, it comprises a “ventilated” system with wooden substructures, 10-centimetre-thick stone wool insulation, vapour-permeable waterproof foil, and larch planks as finishes, giving a calming appearance. The roof is tiled. Interior walls and ceilings are plastered, then painted. The 11-bedroom hotel is a good example of fitting into the context through the use of architecture and natural materials and addressing complex challenges while placing the public interest at the heart of the design process.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
