Situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Six Senses Crans-Montana Hotel and Residences is inscribed on the site as a powerful tectonic structure. The architecture firm AW2 studied the perception of the surrounding mountains, mirroring the natural environment to create a project integrated into the landscape.
Before the involvement of Six Senses, the project was initially conceived as a 90-room hotel by JP Emery Architects. Based on existing licenses, the AW2 collective worked with Jean-Pierre and his team to redesign the entire architecture and reinforce the project’s narrative for the prestigious Six Senses brand.
“The architecture had to reflect our interior design and strengthen the connection between the interior and nature. The Podium restaurant facade was designed as a solid stone pedestal with large openings to the vast private terraces of the suites and views of the slopes. The two volumes above were designed as chalets with wrap-around balconies overlooking the valley.” The project, which reduced the number of rooms to 46 in the two volumes connected by the plinth (Building 1), offers various public spaces such as the Alpine Garden, two pools, a 2,000 m² spa, two restaurants, and a lounge bar.
By redesigning the plans and incorporating the Six Senses vision, the team developed a narrative to guide the thought process. This started with the project’s location, directly on the ski slopes, meaning the only access to the building would be through a tunnel at the lowest level of the building.
This arrival point, in the heart of the mountain, serves as the starting point for a “journey” through the site, an ascending journey towards the light. This path leads visitors from the depths of the mountain, ascending through valleys and forests, to finally emerge above the treetops, enjoying views and the bright rays of sunlight passing through the pine needles, reflected on the snow.
“We wanted the arrival at Six Senses Crans-Montana to reflect our narrative in the most impactful way possible. The first experience visitors have of the project is, therefore, the entrance tunnel leading to the landing space.” This vast space is lined with stone, with a rhythm of linear lights around it. The ceiling was designed as a wooden structure, with lines that recreate the facets of stone, akin to those found in a mountain cave. “It’s like a contemporary expression of the cave.” The light that passes through the tall transparent panels, inspired by the natural structures of pine branches, leads to the reception area. Once again, this is a high and minimalist space where simple materials – stone and wood – initiate the narrative of what is to come. “Our intention here was to create a strong visual impact and a real sense of arrival. A space that initiates the story of the place and sets the atmosphere for guests’ stay at the hotel.”
For the suites, the goal was to create a sense of “coming in from the cold.” The idea is that the space is like a cabin in the forest, an environment to feel warm and secure, even in direct contact with the surrounding nature. As such, the suites are clad in rough wooden planks and stone-colored wall plaster. The windows stretch across the entire width, with expansive private balconies overlooking the ski slopes, forest, and valley. The natural tones of each space were chosen to reinforce the idea of nature. The wooden walls open with sliding panels to the bathroom area, which, as if carved into the mountain, is clad in stone. The designed suites express AW2’s idea of luxury. “It’s discreet, with every detail thought out to create a connection with the context and environment. At Six Senses Crans-Montana, we were able to do this fully, designing the space, furniture, lighting, and even some accessories.”
“We like to design hotels with a unique and clear narrative. We limit the variety of materials, create variations of the same theme, and establish continuity in design. That’s what sets the identity of our projects. However, we also play with the idea of a ‘destination within the destination.’ Each space is designed in continuity but tells its own story.” This is the case with the indoor pool at Six Senses Crans-Montana. Although the details and materials are the same as the rest of the project, the space was conceived as a pool carved into the mountain. The stone-clad walls and floor are juxtaposed with the ceiling carved in wood. The reflection of the wooden slats on the ceiling in the water – 15,000 in total – creates a play of light with sunlight filtered through the external birch-covered courtyard. “This is a space suspended in time, where the seasons become part of the experience, with white snow in winter and green tree leaves in summer.”
THE SPA
The spa of Six Senses Crans-Montana is an essential part of the project, with over 2,000 square meters of space, located in the center of the building. The treatment rooms, imagined as cabins, are arranged around the Alpine Garden, placing them in direct contact with nature. The treatment area, designated as the wet zone, offers a unique moment with multisensory experiences, all within the space with curved walls. “As if it had been carved directly into the face of the mountain.”
THE GARDEN
Whenever we design a hotel, we want to put the guest in contact with nature. At Six Senses Crans-Montana, we open the facades directly to the forests and surrounding views. But, as the occupied area is very large, we wanted more. So, we decided to insert a giant garden in the center of the building. It is a vast space, entirely landscaped with trees and native plants, framed by a steel superstructure that defines it as part of the architecture. This structure configures the internal facade to bring light to the surrounding spaces.” The space is also used as an external circulation route, with its suspended wooden walkway, reminiscent of the local “bisse,” a traditional system of paths and wooden structures found in the mountains, used for irrigating fields.
