The spa en rose

In harmony with water and nature, the MonterosaTerme wellness centre in Champoluc is set in a unique landscape on the slopes of Monte Rosa in Val d’Ayas. The backdrop consists of the pure glaciers of the second highest Alpine summit, while the river Evançon runs close by and all around are conifer woods. The centre was designed by Fabrizio Bianchetti from ArchitetturaTre, who in 2012 won the competition to restore the old ice rink in the municipality of Ayas (which consists of several villages, including Champoluc itself). Inaugurated in July 2015 after two years of work, the complex covers a total of 4,700 sq.m distributed over two floors, and includes spa and wellness areas, relaxation, beauty and fitness centres, as well as a rock climbing gym and an auditorium on the ground floor. The upper floor houses the changing rooms and a restaurant. The design emphasises the centre’s setting, with large windows facing onto the landscape and an original and inventive use of water in the interiors. The four swimming pools and the wellness area use water in many different forms as a source of health and wellbeing — in jets, cascades and springs, warm or nebulised, as steam or seawater, and at a variety of pressures and temperatures. This immersion in the world of water is completed by the experience of the sports pool, which extends through a heated opening into the outdoor pool with Jacuzzis at 35°C, surrounded by the glaciers of Monte Rosa or under the stars. In the design concept, wellbeing can be achieved through a holistic approach based on environmental sustainability, harmony and respect for the genius loci. This is reflected in the use of glass, wood, stone and colours in harmony with the landscape. Ceramic tile, with its many textures, is the preferred material due to its outstanding durability and ease of maintenance. The elegance of stone comes to life in the Pangea porcelain tiles from Refin, chosen in the Barge Grigio version in 60×60 cm and 30×30 cm sizes and installed over a total area of 2500 sq.m, including the floors in the hall, reception, offices, swimming pools and outdoor areas. In the swimming pool areas, the rich colours of grey stone — emulating Barge quartzite — continue into the interior of the pools themselves, so that the water seems to be contained by walls of bare rock. The visual continuity is also maintained by the use of trim pieces made of the same ceramic material designed specifically for the centre. Another Refin product used in the centre is Larix Fresh, with its larch wood design. The porcelain tiles, laid over a total area of 1500 sq.m in 25×150 and 15×75 cm planks, are used on the floors and walls in the wellness area, the herbal tea area and the beauty centre, as well as on the walls of the spa itself. The varied shading and detailed finish of the tile surfaces create the same effect of warmth as the wood itself when used in traditional mountain homes.