POST Hotel & Residences by Elie Saab marks the fashion brand's hospitality debut in Switzerland. Why is Andermatt the right choice for this first project?
Andermatt is now one of the most exciting and rapidly growing Alpine destinations in Switzerland. After years of relative marginalization, the resort has experienced a profound rebirth thanks to major investments in infrastructure and tourism, which have strengthened its international appeal. In this context, Andermatt has proven to be the ideal setting for Elie Saab's debut in Swiss hospitality: an authentic destination, rooted in mountain tradition, yet capable of embracing a cutting-edge concept of luxury, lifestyle, and tourism experiences at the highest levels of excellence.
The project stems from the redevelopment of the historic Hotel 3 Könige und Post, built in 1788. What was the architectural approach adopted?
The project involved a meticulous restoration of the historic building, aiming to preserve its original identity and the typical charm of an 18th-century Alpine chalet. The architectural design worked through subtraction and integration, avoiding any form of camouflage or forced contrast. The building's historical memory was enhanced through a sober and elegant contemporary language, capable of reinterpreting the past and restoring it in a contemporary key, without losing its authenticity.
POST Hotel & Residences offers a mixed-use model that's still rare in Switzerland. What's the value of this formula?
«We have adopted a mhybrid housing and hospitality model which responds to the evolving needs of an international audience increasingly focused on flexibility and a quality experience. The 19 residences and 21 hotel rooms offer a personalized mountain experience, combining the privacy and intimacy of a private home with access to high-end hotel services. This formula represents not only an evolution in the concept of hospitality, but also an attractive investment opportunity, thanks to the possibility of generating income from the residences when they are not in use.
To what extent do the interiors reflect the aesthetic DNA of Elie Saab Maison? How has it been reinterpreted with an Alpine twist?
The interior design project was born from a careful dialogue between the sophisticated elegance of Elie Saab Maison and the warmth of Alpine tradition. Natural materials, particularly wood and stone, play a central role, alongside refined fabrics and a warm, enveloping color palette. The spaces were designed to be bright, welcoming, and timeless, with custom furnishings and details that make the Elie Saab style instantly recognizable, adapting it effortlessly to the mountain setting.
What are the main sustainability and efficiency elements of the project?
Sustainability is a central theme in the A++ Group's design approach and translates into concrete solutions. The building uses a high-performance wooden structure, ensuring high energy efficiency and excellent acoustic insulation. The use of natural and eco-sustainable materials, the focus on living comfort, natural light, and user well-being reflect the philosophy of "Human Sustainable Architecture," which places people and the environment at the center of the design process.
What role can POST Hotel & Residences play in the overall development of Andermatt?
"POST Hotel & Residences by Elie Saab represents a new benchmark for high-end hospitality in Andermatt. The project contributes to strengthening the resort's image as a world-class Alpine destination, capable of attracting a sophisticated and global audience. At the same time, it enhances a historic building through a thoughtful and sustainable regeneration project, becoming an integral part of the broader development and revitalization process of the area."
This project is not your first intervention in Andermatt…
Indeed. In recent years, we have created The BASE, a property housing ten different types of accommodations for couples, families, and groups of friends. The penthouse at The Base is a deluxe apartment with a floor area of 91 m². All the rooms combine the elegance of contemporary design with the rustic character of Alpine tradition. The building is constructed with a wooden frame, ensuring high energy efficiency and excellent sound insulation. The interiors feature a minimalist and elegant design, where wood once again takes center stage, used for both the furnishings and the floors and ceilings. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the apartments with natural light. The location is another plus: we are very close to the ski lifts, a benefit that significantly enhances the comfort of our guests' stay. To complete the experience, The BASE offers ample underground parking, the ability to reach the city center in just a few steps, and a sauna, ideal for relaxing after a day in the mountains. It can be said that extreme attention to detail represents the soul of the project."
