Gravity-Defying Architecture: Tavertet Cliff-Edge Hotel

Challenge: design a vernacular and fully sustainable eco-hotel balancing on the edge of the dramatic cliffs of the Pre-Pyrenees. The site is located next to the small mountain village of Tavertet, Catalonia.

How can humans occupy spaces that inspire harmony with the natural environment? What can we, as designers, do to accomplish this and create architecture that avoids destruction of the natural world while also benefitting our environmental impact?

We now live in a world where architecture takes valuable resources and causes destruction of the natural environment. We are looking for a design scheme that builds a connection between humans and nature and gives back to our natural surroundings, rather than only taking from them.

Our brief asks for an innovative and creative design focusing on the user experience and connection to the surrounding nature, wildlife and existing village with a minimal environmental impact. We are looking for a special and unique piece of architecture that will inspire future designs.

The challenge is to create a sustainable, environmentally conscious structure, or set of structures that sit peacefully, teetering at the edge of the cliffs, providing an emotive experience for visitors. The design should take its inspiration from the natural setting and connect with its surroundings, allowing visitors to have an immersive experience, both inside and outside of the hotel, of the dramatic scenery and wildlife that surrounds them. 

The architecture should carefully consider the abundance wildlife of the area and the impact that any buildings may have on the natural flora and fauna of the Natural Park.

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