Perched above the Alsatian village of Breitenbach, the Hotel 48°Nord is a testament to cultural fusion, uniting the essence of both French and Nordic heritages. Embodying the possibility for architecture to embrace nature, ecology, and modernity at once, it invites visitors to experience the rich culture of Alsace while drawing inspiration from Scandinavian traditions of architecture and hospitality.
This architectural project harmoniously merges with and draws attention to its surrounding landscape, a beautiful expanse of the Vosges Mountains. Inspired by the Norwegian "hytte," its 14 cabins organically punctuate the hillside, like boulders poised on a slope. Each is crafted from locally sourced, untreated wood, and features generous glass openings that balance privacy with exposure to expansive vistas.
The cabins come in four distinctive types, each offering visitors a unique experience. The Grass cabins, designed on one level for universal accessibility, cluster near the reception building. Meanwhile, the Tree and Ivy cabins, tall and slender, offer a breathtaking perspective of the world below. Lastly, the Fjell cabins, perched on the hill, provide an oasis for families seeking private outdoor spaces. Inside, all cabins feature snug, built-in furniture and radiate a sense of minimalism and rustic charm: infused by the warmth of light wood, they embody the very essence of Nordic “hygge.”
In the main building, the intimate restaurant opens up to panoramic vistas of the landscape. The cuisine celebrates ancestral techniques and seasonal flavors, with products sourced from local organic producers and the hotel's own garden. Local art and crafts are exhibited throughout dedicated exhibition spaces, while the Hotel Spa and year-round nature excursions round out the offerings.
Hotel 48°Nord demonstrates that a profound connection with nature and modern luxury are not only compatible, but connected.
Awards
Grands Prix du Design Awards | Façade d’immeuble (Facade)
Grands Prix du Design Awards | Hôtel & complexe touristique (Hospitality)
AZ Awards - Award of Merit
Typology
Commercial, Landscape
Status
Direct commission (2015)
Completed (2020)
Location
Alsace, France
Illustrations by Florent Michel @11h45
