Alpine landscapes inform Patricia Urquiola’s “nest-like” interiors for Swiss apartment complex

Patricia Urquiola has designed the interiors for the Maya development in Andermatt, Switzerland, creating a series of residences that evoke the feeling of a nest through curved walls and alpine landscapes and natural materials. The project aims to blend alpine scenery with bespoke design, emphasizing a connection to nature.

The Maya development comprises 17 residences and penthouses, designed by Swiss-Czech architect Miroslav Šik, with interiors by Urquiola that incorporate locally sourced wood, green Salvan stone, and textured surfaces. The design draws inspiration from Alpine landscapes. The interiors feature curved walls that delineate private spaces while maintaining openness, with large windows providing sweeping views of the surrounding Alps.

Key features include fireplaces clad in Salvan stone, bespoke furniture such as Urquiola’s Gentry sofa and Ruff armchair, and outdoor loggias furnished with Charlotte Perriand armchairs. The kitchens have circular dining tables with views, and bedrooms utilize soothing tones with textured surfaces and custom furniture. The penthouses include additional amenities like private saunas and spiral staircases connecting two floors, with artworks and furniture designed by Urquiola herself.

Why It Matters

This project highlights a trend toward integrating natural landscapes into residential design, emphasizing sustainability and local materials. Urquiola’s approach demonstrates how architecture and interior design can reflect regional identity and environment, offering a model for alpine luxury living that balances comfort and ecological awareness.

Background

The Maya development is part of a broader movement in Swiss architecture to incorporate regional materials and traditional forms into contemporary living spaces. Patricia Urquiola, named interior designer of the year at the 2023 Dezeen Awards, has previously worked on projects transforming historic buildings into hotels and spas, showcasing her expertise in blending modern design with local context. The development’s design references fortified tower houses from the Uri canton, with patterned concrete facades echoing regional shingle cladding, reminiscent of alpine architecture.

“The underlying concept is to create a nest. Curved walls help separate private and personal spaces, while large windows connect residents to the landscape.”

— Patricia Urquiola

“I feel the energy of Switzerland very strongly – it’s very clean and sustainable, inspiring a natural approach to materials. The color palette comes from nature: green, grey, brown—just looking out the window and translating what you see into the space, inspired by Alpine scenery.”

— Urquiola

What Remains Unclear

Details remain unclear about the project’s overall environmental sustainability features and how the development balances ecological concerns with luxury amenities. It is also not yet confirmed how the residences will be marketed or their availability.

What’s Next

Next steps include the official marketing launch of the residences, with potential buyers able to view the interiors and experience the alpine-inspired design firsthand. Further developments may include additional projects by Urquiola in the region or similar alpine settings.

Key Questions

What inspired Patricia Urquiola’s interior design for the Maya residences?

Urquiola was inspired by the natural landscape of the Swiss Alps, incorporating local materials and forms that evoke the feeling of a nest, emphasizing comfort and connection to nature.

What materials are used in the interiors?

The interiors feature locally sourced green Salvan stone, wood tones, textured surfaces, and natural fabrics, all chosen to reflect the alpine environment.

Are the residences environmentally sustainable?

While Urquiola emphasizes natural materials and a sustainable approach, specific environmental sustainability features of the development have not been detailed publicly.

What amenities do the penthouses include?

The penthouses feature additional amenities such as private saunas, upper-floor offices, spiral staircases, and bespoke furnishings designed by Urquiola.

Source: Dezeen