International award to Level Spa
Spa of the year - European Hotel Design Awards 2009
The European Hotel Design Awards honoured Copperhill Mountain Lodge in Åre, Sweden, for its SPA and health club – inspired by the local heritage. The panel were unanimous in their decision and felt this winner had designed a beautiful spa that embraced its location, environment and local people and cultures, creating a unique SPA experience.
Out of 18 award categories, Copperhill Mountain Lodge was nominated two: “Spa, Health & Leisure Facilities” and “Cafe, Bar, Nightclub or Lounge” of the year. The criteria for success was based not only on creative excellence, but also on commercial viability. As well as projects which are aesthetically impressive, the judges was looking for evidence that winning designs have also met the needs of client and customers alike.
“Naturally, we are very proud to have been selected by Europe’s most discerning experts in the field of hotel design,” says Pernilla Gravenfors, hotel director, Copperhill Mountain Lodge. “Our ambition has been to create a warm and pleasant atmosphere for our guests, whilst wanting the décor to convey the area’s mining history and the Sami culture. This international recognition demonstrates that our concept matches the contemporary mood.”
Copperhill Mountain Lodge boasts contemporary architecture, created by the American architect Peter Bohlin in partnership with AIX Arkitekter. The SPA is built in rustic and genuine natural materials, with panoramic views of the mountains and treatment rooms designed like Sami tipis. The Swedish architects office, Koncept Stockholm, are responsible for the interior design.
“We wanted the décor to feel like an extension of the building’s fantastic architecture and the area’s history. Local materials, such as slate and pine, have been complemented by warm colours in copper, leather and textiles,” says Ann Marie Ekroth, project manager for Koncept Stockholm.
The European Hotel Design Awards is an international contest organised by the British Sleeper Magazine; it is now in its twelfth year. The awards ceremony were held on 2 November 2009 at the London Hilton on Park Lane, during The Sleep Event hotel conference in London.