The architecture of the Moon2 hotel complex at the Arkhyz ski resort

The Moon2 ski hotel is located at an altitude of 1,787 meters and is the highest mountain hotel in the Arkhyz resort. It is the only hotel in the region with a ski-in / ski-out system, allowing guests to start and finish skiing directly at the entrance. The first phase of the complex has already been completed and includes 88 rooms and a restaurant. In the future, the development is planned to expand into a full-fledged complex with a total area of 9,496 m². The hotel’s architecture is based on a combination of contemporary form and local context. The building’s image refers to the archetypes of the North Caucasus – dolmens, fortresses, and towers. The monumental lower volume is built from architectural concrete, and the upper part is made of wood, creating a distinctive and cohesive silhouette within the mountain landscape. The use of exposed concrete without finishing became a key element of the project, where the structure at the same time forms an aesthetic of the building. Here, architecture emerges from the logic of material, structure, and function. Special attention is paid to the interaction with nature: large-scale glazing opens panoramic views of the mountains and strengthens the connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The complex also includes a SPA located within the main building volume. The space is completely made of concrete and discloses itself through large stained glasses, almost erasing the boundary between inner and outer.