Our design concept of providing access to spectacular mountains is based on a response to fundamental

human needs, and is based on the qualities derived from geography rather than from past sales statistics
and land speculation. We are responding to a market proven in the Alps but with practically no similar
response in North America. This market starts with access by means of mechanical lifts, rather than
muscle power or helicopters, to the tallest mountains in the right climatic locations with mountaintops
with glaciers. This combines superior year round skiing capabilities with true destination sightseeing – an
element that is missing at almost all existing North American ski “hills”. It also combines the best
mountains with the biggest vertical drops, skiing whole mountains rather than “pods” alongside
chairlifts, and eliminating snowmaking by providing a resort base above the snow line and in a true
mountain setting. Instead of an impossible speculative dream we are designing for the true romance of
the mountains.

This is a real market for the real customers and visitors of the future, and it will not disappoint the
marketplace. It also fulfils best government policies for destination tourism and recreation and allows to
access sites that no one else can deliver to the public. It is an appropriate way to introduce the First
Nations to the tourism industry, working with nature rather than against nature, and to make Canada a
prime international destination, not just for Americans, but for everyone.

The design proposal is meant for a weekend getaway destination as well as a place to rest, intended for
mountain climbers. Thanks to the circular nature of the structure, the building’s placement, and massing
- the object is well fitted into the surrounding environment. Owing to the abstract geometrical approach
towards the design, the functional flow of the lodge does not reflect the traditional floor arrangement.
All of the functions are divided among three basic modules connected two by two circulation cores. The
site has an access path, leading to the main entrance of the resort, located on the top floor of the
building.

The key to this project was to design the structure that shape integrates into the topography of the
mountain range. The geometry of the building, as well as facade materials, refers to the winter scenery
of the surrounding context. The location of Mountain Lodge provides a fantastic view of the surrounding
nature. Thanks to the three cafe/restaurant terraces, two rooftop pools, and viewing deck, visitors are
able to enjoy the sight from a number of different angles. The design of the object allows close
interaction with the surrounding nature while providing shelter from cold and windy weather.

The Mountain Lodge accommodates a café, a restaurant, spa, guest rooms, outdoor/indoor pools,
viewing terraces, and an ice rink. Thanks to the irregular shape of this 930m2 building all of the functions
are distributed among six floors contained within a 20-meter height lodge.

The main construction system consists of wooden frames of mass timber elements placed at a distance
of 5 m. The entire structure is based on a prefabricated system whose fundamental component is a
circular module. The building is equipped with a two-layered facade composed of glass and external
covering panels (wood and steel). The external skin of the lodge, divided into smaller modules, is
designed as a movable system allowing for individual adaptation. Thanks to this simple flexible
installation, the facade system responds to multiple needs of users. Floors and interior walls are
constructed of natural, unfinished plywood that creates a warm and cozy atmosphere inside the lodge.
The architecture mimics the surrounding landscape, blending beautifully into the setting. The resort’s
unique contours, the perfect example of a harmonious marriage between nature and modernity, have
earned Avoriaz official recognition as one of the great architectural achievements of the 20th century.

The architects totally abandoned the usual geometric lines and, instead, played with the relief to
position apartment blocks, chalets and amenities and intertwine them with skiable paths. They were in
fact guided by the sole principle of adapting the architecture to the mountain setting without copying
the chalets of Savoie or the density of the cities.

They strived to combine their shapes, volumes and materials with the landscape and the mountain
environment. The Sosna, Thuya and Araucarya apartment buildings are the best demonstration of this,
along with the chalets opposite. Indeed, their architectural design blends harmoniously with the natural
setting, abandoning the beaten tracks of tradition and taking liberties with the usual vertical lines and
right angles.

Each building is unique in terms of both contour and volume, mimicking the curves and the scale of the
natural relief in an expressionist approach that emphasises the surrounding scenery.

To Jacques Labro, this living architecture follows the « organic » architectural movement, in line with the
ideas of Franck Lloyd Wright and Aval Aalto. It rejects the urban rigour, the neo-rusticism and other pre-
existing designs and models built during the same period.

The buildings are placed to fit the relief and to optimise sun exposure and the mountain views. They
back onto the bottom of the mountainside, they are found within mounds or stretching high above the
plateau, refusing repetition and striking a balance between the natural environment and the
architecture. The roof is like a fifth wall, inclining with the slope of the terrain.

In Avoriaz 1800, wood is everywhere. The facades are covered in tiles made of red cedarwood, like those
traditionally used on the rooftops of Savoie. This architectural mimicry is also seen in the colours used,
and the shingles are left untreated to take on natural hues with the passing of time and the elements.
Indeed, the south-facing walls turn a mink-grey colour, those facing north become ash-grey, and the east
and west walls turn a chestnut brown, like tree bark or the surrounding rock. They have deliberately
been left unvarnished.

The roofs slope all the way down to the ground, stabilising the build-up of snow that blankets the
buildings throughout the winter. Clinging to these sloped facades, snow helps the buildings to blend into
the natural surroundings, offering a pleasant snowscape even amongst the architectural features.

design concept for mountain resort

PERPLEXITY

Designing a mountain resort requires careful consideration of the natural surroundings and the needs of
guests. Here are some design concepts and guidelines from the search results:

Access to the mountains: A key design concept is to provide access to spectacular mountains, which is
based on a response to fundamental human needs and the qualities derived from the natural
environment

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Inspiration from mountain architecture tradition: The design concept can take inspiration from the
mountain architecture tradition of the National Parks and the heritage design tradition of the Western

Small resort situated at a rocky ledge: A conceptual design of a small resort situated at a rocky ledge can
be a unique and attractive design proposal for a weekend getaway

Health and wellness resort design: A mountain resort can be designed to promote health and wellness,
with features such as spas, yoga studios, and healthy dining options

Mix land-use luxury resort: A mix land-use luxury resort can be designed to offer a variety of activities
and amenities, such as skiing, hiking, shopping, and dining

Meeting unique challenges of on-mountain design and construction: Designing and constructing a
mountain resort comes with a host of complexities that require an experienced hand to navigate. The
design should consider factors such as weather, terrain, and environmental impact

In summary, a successful mountain resort design should consider the natural surroundings, the needs of
guests, and the unique challenges of on-mountain design and construction. The design concept can take
inspiration from the mountain architecture tradition and offer a mix of activities and amenities to
promote health and wellness.

Sustainable design practices for mountain resorts can help minimize environmental impact while
providing guests with a luxurious and unforgettable experience. Here are some sustainable design
practices from the search results:
Design competition for sustainable mountain resort: A sustainable mountain resort design competition
challenges designers to create a resort that minimizes environmental impact while offering a luxurious
experience for guests

Sustainable mixed-use community: A sustainable approach to mountain resort development can involve
designing a sustainable mixed-use community that considers the broader context of the resort

Framework for designing sustainable mountain resorts: A framework for designing sustainable mountain
resorts can involve integrating landscape, water and energy efficiency, sustainable construction, and
local community engagement

Mountain resort design guidelines: Mountain resort design guidelines can provide a framework for
creating an identifiable and cohesive design character for the resort, utilizing a limited vocabulary of
design features that fulfill practical needs while also fulfilling sustainable design principles

Design concept based on geography: A design concept that provides access to spectacular mountains
based on the qualities derived from geography rather than past sales statistics and land speculation can
fulfill best government policies for destination tourism and recreation while also minimizing
environmental impact

In summary, sustainable design practices for mountain resorts can involve designing a sustainable mixed-
use community, integrating landscape, water and energy efficiency, sustainable construction, and local
community engagement, and utilizing design guidelines that fulfill practical needs while also fulfilling
sustainable design principles. A design concept that provides access to spectacular mountains based on
the qualities derived from geography can also minimize environmental impact while fulfilling best
government policies for destination tourism and recreation.

Mountain resorts can use sustainable building materials to minimize environmental impact and promote
sustainability. Here are some examples of sustainable building materials for mountain resorts from the
search results:
Mass timber buildings: A mountain resort in Fjätervålen, Dalarna, will have mass timber buildings in
cuboid form, making it the Nordic region's most sustainable destination

Natural materials such as wood and stone: Adopting natural materials such as wood and stone can be
expedient for a health resort, given the health benefits inherent in these materials

In summary, sustainable building materials for mountain resorts can include mass timber buildings and
natural materials such as wood and stone. These materials can help minimize environmental impact and
promote sustainability.