Known for its refined, seemingly effortless approach to luxury projects mounted across the globe, Los Angeles and Lausanne-based Montalba Architects has just completed the Zen Pod, as a new addition to the Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel geodesic-dome cluster. Perched on the Dents-du-Midi mountain range, just above the Rhône Valley and south of Lake Geneva, this Swiss Alps lodging complex adheres to a strict ecological standard while still providing its clientele with top amenities. At 650 to 1250 Swiss Francs ($670 to $1287) per night, this hotel gives new meaning to the concept of glamping.
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While other pods on the property are outfitted based on Forest, Swiss, Deluxe, Family, Cozy, and 007 themes, Montalba’s contribution presents a distinctly Japanese influence. Set on level deck platforms along the mountainside, the tent-like dome includes a view-facing bedroom, bathroom, and closet space.
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The practice designed a prefabricated modular timber insert to delineate curvilinear rooms and built-in furnishing, embedded within the soft spheric shell. The wooden walls frame a bed area toward the front and a raised bath box toward the back. Carrying the scheme through is the abundant use of tatami mats.