Breathe in the clean mountain air, let all stresses melt away and enjoy the view of the majestic rocky crests and the clear alpine lake. In Melchsee-Frutt there is a new reason to visit the Alps: the Frutt Family Lodge & Melchsee Apartments. The deluxe spa hotel opened in December 2015 with quality taps and showers by Axor and Hansgrohe in the Spa and in the bathrooms, making the stay the cherry on top!
The newly built resort hotel is in the village of Melchsee-Frutt, a ski resort located at 1,920 metres above sea level in the canton Obwalden. ‘The Frutt’, situated on a high and sunny plateau, has been a Spa since 1865, and to this day, the idyllic spot remains free of cars. The new hotel has a total of 47 rooms, suites and family suites, as well as 43 holiday flats. It is an imposing ensemble: four grey stone buildings with textured roughcast façades stand out like monoliths on the shores of the Melchsee Lake.
The modern, alpine style of the pitched-roof buildings hints at traditional chalet architecture. The cubes that make up the upper parts of the construction can withstand the extreme alpine weather conditions and seem to float on the glass plate façades that form the base of the building. This design gives the massive new construction a lightness that recalls the reflection of the mountains on the surface of the Melchsee Lake. Philip Loskant, the architect, and Architekturwerk, the company responsible for the realisation of the project, used large panorama windows to showcase the retreat’s stunning natural surroundings.
For the interiors, Philip Loskant and interior designer Matthias Buser opted for a classic lodge style for the family rooms and suites. Natural materials, warm colours, abundant oak elements and modern furnishings give the interior design an understated elegance with a cosy chalet-like feel.
A sustainable energy design was conceived for the entire complex, and 90 percent of the electricity used is generated from renewable sources. Hansgrohe bathroom taps are the perfect fit, both visually and technically: the washbasins in the rooms and suites are equipped with single-lever taps from the Hansgrohe Metris line that use up to 60 percent less water than comparable products thanks to the Ecostat Comfort technology.
Situated in the basement, the Spa is the high point of the building’s expressionist design style. A succession of chambers simulates the experience of bathing in a cave system. The Axor Starck V tap lightens up the Spa: through its transparent and open glass spout the natural power and vitality of a water vortex is omnipresent. The tap, designed by Philipp Starck, is made of crystal glass spout and chrome body with a special brushed gold optic finish by the Axor Manufaktur.
The same warm gold finish was used on the concealed shower valves from the Axor Citterio collection with their characteristic cross handles. Accessories of the Axor Citterio and Axor Uno collections give the bathrooms a finishing touch. Another gold highlight in the spa: the Axor LampShower designed by Nendo. The combination of overhead shower and ceiling lamp not only delivers a warm, extra wide rain spray, but it also bathes the user in a pleasant, warm light. There’s no better way to cap off a day of skiing, hiking or pampering!
Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and lake from their rooms and suites, as well as from the Spa, which comprises a swimming pool, sauna, steam bath and relaxation room. Whether soaking in the pool or relaxing in a lounge chair: contemplating this panorama soothes the mind and body.
