Founded in 1912, the hotel is entering a new chapter. Set among mountains and pine forest, it has kept the character of a historic retreat: stone façades, period architectural details and a rare bond with the surrounding landscape.
ZIKZAK Architects developed a concept that preserves the historic architecture while bringing in new hospitality functions. Our aim is to reimagine the former summer hotel as a contemporary resort for rest and wellness all year round.
The story of Summer Resort began in 1912. Its mountain climate, natural surroundings and distance from the noise of the city made it a favourite summer retreat of its day.
That identity became the starting point for our concept. We set out to preserve the hotel’s character without turning it into a museum piece frozen in time.
The stone walls and authentic architectural details remain the defining features of the historic wing. New volumes in glass and metal set up a striking contrast with the stone façades and add a contemporary architectural layer to the complex.
Past and present don’t compete here — they complete each other.
One of the key challenges was to bring the historic buildings and the grounds around them together into one coherent spatial system.
The historic building remains the heart of the complex. Around it, we propose new townhouses, a private villa, a wine lounge and additional leisure areas.
The buildings are linked by footpaths, landscaped courtyards and terraces. The layout opens up different ways to spend time — from privacy in your own room to get-togethers, shared dinners and long hours outdoors.
Each area has its own purpose, yet together they work as one hotel complex.
At the centre of the composition is a pool set among the pines. It ties the buildings together and creates the main leisure space, around which life at the resort unfolds.
The area around the pool called for particular attention. The existing timber and corrugated-metal outbuildings are in poor condition and hold little historic value, so the concept proposes reworking this part of the site entirely.
In their place come a pool bar, a sun terrace and a lounge area. Planting, shaded corners and open spaces make room for every kind of downtime, from morning to evening.
Inside, we build on the materiality of the historic building and its bond with the natural setting.
Warm wood tones, textured walls, stone, natural fabrics and a restrained palette create a cohesive atmosphere. Panoramic windows frame the mountain views and draw the landscape into the interior.
The public areas are designed for different moods. The lounges invite quiet, intimate relaxation; the restaurant and bar are made for meeting and socialising; and the wine spaces add a dedicated gastronomic experience to the stay.
In the guest rooms, the focus is on privacy, tactile materials and being close to nature. Generous windows, warm lighting and access to private terraces carry the idea through.
A key part of reimagining Summer Resort is the shift from a seasonal summer retreat to a hotel that welcomes guests all year round.
The concept includes wellness spaces with treatment rooms, a sauna and water areas. Large expanses of glazing keep the interiors visually connected to the pool, the pines and the mountain landscape.
Downtime is no longer tied to the summer months: the natural setting stays at the heart of the guest experience in every season.
Summer Resort is a concept in which historic architecture becomes the foundation for a contemporary hotel complex.
We keep what gives the place its character and rethink the rest around new functions and the needs of today’s guests. Historic buildings, contemporary volumes, the natural landscape and many ways to unwind come together as one coherent hospitality destination.
Preserving the story of the place — and giving it a new future.
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