alpine sanctuary

Patricia Urquiola’s design approach brings the natural beauty of Andermatt into House Maya’s living spaces and aligns with its broader commitment to sustainability and responsible design.

- Amy Van

House Maya, designed by world renowned interior architect Patricia Urquiola, is the newest residential building launched in Andermatt Swiss Alps. The interior design is a blend of simplicity with nostalgia and modern reinterpretations, creating a warm atmosphere that connects with nature. The concept of a nest is central to Urquiola’s design philosophy for this project. “The idea of the nest translates into creating a sanctuary – a safe, private, and comfortable space that residents can retreat to,” she says.

Urquiola adds, “A hallmark of my design for the Maya residences is the curved double wall. This feature is designed not merely as a structural element but as an artistic decision aimed at enhancing the living experience and atmosphere within each home.” Acting as a natural divider, the curved wall delineates spaces within the home, leading to a sitting room with a fireplace on one side and a kitchen on the other. This curvature introduces a dynamic, organic form to the interior, echoing the natural surroundings of Andermatt as well as moving beyond traditional linear design.

Urquiola explains that the design’s emphasis on curved forms, including the glass wall of the loggia, fosters a seamless relationship with the outdoors. Mimicking the Alpine hills’ rolling contours, it ensures the interior spaces resonate with the external environment, with large windows framing breathtaking vistas and inviting natural light to merge the indoors with the outdoors.