My latest visit to St. Gotthard Pass — a 6,900-foot-high Alpine pass connecting the German- and also Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland — started with a tour of a former military bunker deep in a mountain that has been converted into a cultural and exhibition centre. It finished with a visit to a hospice converted to a hotel, just steps from the bunker’s exit. Contributing to the disposition of the two diverse yet connected entities (more resorts will probably be needed for the bunker’s new usage) was that the weather: Sun to the east gave way to fog, low clouds and rain at the pass.
This ideabook requires a glimpse in the prior Altes Hospiz, converted by Swiss architects Miller & Maranta into a wonderful hotel that respects the area’s history while providing modern conveniences — and a few courses for residential buildings and interiors.
John Hill
The resort’s conversion was completed in 2010, however the construction (centre) dates back, in 1 form or another, eight generations. The right side of this building, below the bottom aspect of the grey roof, is really a chapel, the most historic part of the construction. The chapel and the hospice have been rebuilt quite a few times for a variety of reasons, most recently 100 decades ago.
John Hill
Miller & Maranta maintained the construction basically as is but inserted a ground, made a new wooden structure and inserted a new roof. The last bit is the most idiosyncratic element of the design, because of its asymmetrical form, its own exaggerated dormers and the surface.
John Hill
As we round the lake in front of the hotel, the chapel’s bell tower gets visible.
John Hill
Approaching the construction, we may see the chapel entrance; the hotel entrance is on the side of this construction from this view. The roof asymmetry continues around this side as well.
John Hill
The fourth side of this building, where the entrance to the hotel is found, varies from the other three because it is one strong wall, sans roof.
John Hill
The ground-floor entrance is more monastic or just like a church than a hotel, which is fitting given the building’s history. The tiny windows appear larger because of the size of this opening on the inner face of the wall that is deep. I’ll acknowledge this photo captures only a portion of the quality of light coming in through these windows.
John Hill
A corridor that leads to the stair at the center of this building is definitely more hotel-like. The rock floor is an especially wonderful touch.
John Hill
The upstairs corridors that serve the different rooms utilize wood flooring and a similar grey wall complete. Overall the finishes are minimal, however they exude a warmth that is accentuated by the light coming in through the tiny windows. Notice the tray at the door for holding shoes.
John Hill
The device I was able to visit is a duplex that serves five people. A living room includes the entrance flat downstairs, and 2 bedroom areas are upstairs. Each surface is covered in solid wood boards, making the rooms warmer still compared to corridors.
John Hill
The stair is especially wonderful. The simple design features a good guardrail down the center of these measures.
John Hill
One of the 2 bedrooms upstairs is larger than the other, serving three people. Here we may see the new wood structure the architects included. It is apparent that the space is below the roof’s peak. Each the finishes and even the furniture pieces are simple, but the spaces are very comfy.
John Hill
Another bedroom has two beds; not observable is a dresser serving equally. We see that a little window centered in the room. The space layouts are hardly regular, fitting the asymmetrical outdoor. Inside, the design makes a calm that is a respite from the unpredictable weather of St. Gotthard Pass.