After purchasing the property
of the Mandarin Oriental Lago di Como
in Italy, the owner hired Herzog & de
Meuron, a Swiss architectural studio,
to create a master plan for the future
development of the resort. Part of
this master plan was to redesign the
outdoor pool area and improve the
existing spa inside the hotel.
At the heart of the resort sits the
historic Villa Roccabruna, as well as
a colonnaded retaining wall, the lake
promenade and the surrounding
parkland, making the entire area an
emblematic landmark.
Thanks to a dark, local sandstone,
the pool mimics the colors of the lake,
and then a long infinity edge facing
the lake helps to create a floating-like
optical illusion. A sundeck clad with
wood planking borders the Villa side
of the pool and a green prefabricated
steel structure helps reflect the water’s
surface. A ramp connects the floating
pool to the bar and dining area, which
are both clad in wood as well.
Apart from the infinity pool, the spa
and reception areas within the resort
were both improved upon, while still
maintaining their existing features. A
courtyard with an open ceiling became
the new core of the dry spa; an arched
window with views of the lake became
the focus of the wet spa; and existing
small windows paired with new full-height
windows allowed the reception
area and the exterior of the resort to feel
more seamlessly connected.
The wet spa further hosts a sauna,
steam room and indoor pool. The new,
vaulted ceiling of the space was made
from stucco and lined with glass tiles,
whereas the existing stone floor of
the spa was just repaired upon. The
architects chose dark wood and neutral
tones for the interior spaces to create a
calming, yet still bright, ambience.
The spa is now open to the public;
however, Herzog & de Meuron
continues to work and update the resort
to help strengthen its character and
form even tighter ties with its natural,
historic surroundings.
