noa* defies gravity in the dolomites with its inverted ‘hub of huts’ spa
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heaven and hell: an inverted architecture by noa*
In a daring extension of its Hotel Hubertus in South Tyrol, Noa* (Network of Architecture) presents this cantilevering Hub of Huts wellness center. Known also as a work of ‘Heaven and Hell’ for its mirrored design, the extension shows a platform projecting outward over a cliffside to host a cluster of small ‘huts’ and their upside-down counterparts.
The gravity-defying intervention adds to the Italian hotel, built by Noa* in 2016 (see designboom’s coverage here), and reflects the boldly cantilevering pool which seems to disappear into the vast landscape.
images courtesy Hotel Hubertus
hotel hubertus is ‘turning wellness upside-down’
A cluster of tiny retreats, the Hub of Huts by Noa* recalls the atmosphere of an Italian mountain village, suspended in the skies over the Dolomite landscapes. The refuge offers guests of the Hotel Hubertus (see here) a dual spa experience, playing on its Heaven and Hell nickname — the architects design the upper level to host lie-down or seated whirlpools and restful, sunlit areas facing sweeping views. Alternatively, a stairway leads to ‘Hell’ on the lower level. This nude area houses two saunas, a nude whirlpool, and an ice room.
the hub of huts’ challenging structure
The Hub of Huts’ relationship with water further drove its design, as the architecture by Noa* suggests a reflection on a mirror lake, the central platform acting as a horizon. In this way, the work marks a continuation of the symbol of Hotel Hubertus, which is its floating swimming pool, already an impressive engineering feat. Taking this concept to the extreme, the structure is built with a steel platform cantilevering outward from a set of massive columns, the asymmetrical organization of the huts furthering the structural challenges.
the Hub of Huts alongside the cantilevering swimming pool 
the wellness center appears to float among the Dolomite range
project info:
project title: Hub of Huts
architecture: Noa* (Network of Architecture) | @networkofarchitecture
client: Hotel Hubertus | @hotel_hubertus
location: Valdaora, Italy
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