Existing in or connected with nature, natural phenomena, or the natural world.
In the heart of Alsace, France, lies the 48°Nord hotel, a unique fusion of traditional Alsatian architecture and Scandinavian chic. Nestled in a nature-protected site, this landscape hotel demonstrates that nature and modern luxury can not only be compatible but can be closely intertwined.
Designed by Norwegian architectural firm Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter, the hotel is a testament to eco-consciousness and respect for the local landscape. The hotel's 14 separate hut accommodations, inspired by Norwegian 'Hytte', are embedded in nature, with each hut designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings.
The diverse building bodies of the Hotel 48° Nord are loosely scattered in the landscape, unlike a chalet village. The main house of the hotel is clad in light wooden shingles, cut from local chestnut wood, while the cabins have a uniform wooden facade with vertical boarding, made from the same wood.
Custom-made built-in furniture and simple surfaces reduce the interior to the essentials, drawing attention to the panorama presented by the large windows. Each hut embodies the essence of the Nordic 'Hygge' concept, characterized by warmth from light wood. The huts have slender designs that rise like observation towers from the descending terrain, and prismatic volumes that recall futuristic haystacks. Organically placed in the slope, they resemble rocks protruding from the steep meadow.
The hotel area, approximately two hectares, is part of Natura 2000, a connected network of nature conservation areas within the European Union. Building in the protected zone is permitted, provided it does not disturb habitats and species. The high degree of prefabrication of the timber element panels allowed for a short construction time, minimizing disturbance at the nature-protected site.
The cabins are designed with a futuristic twist on country cabins, featuring sideways-letterbox shapes clad in local chestnut wood, blending Nordic design simplicity with natural French materials. Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter, known for modern wooden building projects that promote cultural self-awareness and iconic architecture, has also worked on projects such as the extension of the Frammuseum in Oslo and the construction of the Maison des Avalins in Val-d'Isère.
The hotel's restaurant uses Scandi-inspired food prepared with produce from its own vegetable garden, aligning gastronomy with the eco-friendly ethos inspired by Nordic lifestyles. The diverse building bodies of the Hotel 48° Nord are not just a sight to behold but also a celebration of sustainability and eco-conscious living. Together, these elements create a Nordic-French fusion that respects and enhances the local landscape and culture while fostering eco-conscious living through thoughtful architecture and sustainable gastronomy.
