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This Hotel in the Swiss Alps Is Made Up of 96 Prefab ModulesView 13 Photos

This Hotel in the Swiss Alps Is Made Up of 96 Prefab Modules

With 96 prefab modular rooms stacked on top of each other like building blocks, the Revier Mountain Lodge provides one spectacular alpine setting.
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Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the elegant and streamlined design for the Revier Mountain Lodge by Swiss architectural firm Carlos Martinez Architekten was actually inspired by the idea of a Volkswagen bus. 

The two angled elements of the building follow the shoreline of the Heidisee Lake. 

The two angled elements of the building follow the shoreline of the Heidisee Lake. 

Housing 96 prefab units and one breathtaking setting, the lodge merges the feeling of a mountain chalet with the spirit of a camper van. More so, the 161-square-foot rooms feature giant windows that overlook the striking Heidisee Lake—much like a "VW bus parked at the edge of a lake."

The individual modules are emphasized by metal siding; the rest of the building has been constructed from vertical slats of rough-cut, untreated larch. 

The individual modules are emphasized by metal siding; the rest of the building has been constructed from vertical slats of rough-cut, untreated larch. 

While each room features a large, floor-to-ceiling window that provides sweeping panoramic views of the stunning surroundings, it also houses a wall-to-wall bed that optimizes the space and delivers maximum comfort. 

The metal façade of the foundation creates a patterned surface.

The metal façade of the foundation creates a patterned surface.

Ceilings, floors, and walls of the modules have been constructed from natural, unfinished plywood. The readymade, fully-equipped modules were prefabricated, which allowed for precise workmanship, as well as short construction and assembly at the site. 

The geometric patterns on the backside of the hotel. 

The geometric patterns on the backside of the hotel. 

By stacking the modules side-by-side, the architects have been able to create a "double-wall" effect that provides additional acoustic insulation.

A long corridor provides access to the individual rooms. 

A long corridor provides access to the individual rooms. 

The minimalist rooms feature carefully designed details, such as a large heating element in a corner to dry gloves and clothing. The bed can also be used as a sofa to watch TV and/or relax by using the automatic folding device to enable this transformation. 

The ceilings, floors, and walls of the rooms are constructed from natural, unfinished plywood. 

The ceilings, floors, and walls of the rooms are constructed from natural, unfinished plywood. 

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The minimalist interiors feature a wall-to-wall bed to maximize the small space. The standard rooms are the width of each bed. There are also four barrier-free rooms, along with 28 triple-bed rooms. 

The minimalist interiors feature a wall-to-wall bed to maximize the small space. The standard rooms are the width of each bed. There are also four barrier-free rooms, along with 28 triple-bed rooms. 

The front of the hotel faces the entrance to the cable car and features a lobby, bar, and restaurant.

The front of the hotel faces the entrance to the cable car and features a lobby, bar, and restaurant.

The modern ski chalet in its snowy alpine setting.

The modern ski chalet in its snowy alpine setting.

The property during the construction. 

The property during the construction. 

 A room module being lowered into place. 

 A room module being lowered into place. 

One of the individual room modules. 

One of the individual room modules. 

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Project Credits: 

Architect of Record: Carlos Martinez Architekten

Structural Engineer: Josef Kolb AG & Plan4 AG

Gastronomy Design: Gastro Force

Timber Construction: Kaufmann Bausystemme

Jennifer Baum Lagdameo
Dwell Contributor
Jennifer Baum Lagdameo is a freelance design writer who has lived in Washington DC, Brooklyn, Tokyo, Manila, and is currently exploring the Pacific Northwest from her home base in Portland, Oregon.

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