Located in the heart of Grandvalira, Andorra, L'Abarset has redefined the concept of Après-ski with architecture carefully designed to blend in with the spectacular mountain surroundings of the Pyrenees.
Since its redesign in the 2021-2022 season, led by David Alayeto of Dream Up Design, this place has captured the essence of the natural landscape and combined it with a modern and functional architectural style.
L'Abarset has thus established itself as a benchmark in design and as the most exclusive Après-ski destination in the Pyrenees.
Sustainable architecture that honors and enhances the natural environment
The L’Abarset architecture has been designed to blend seamlessly into the mountain landscape while minimising environmental impact. With more than 2,000 sqm. spread over two floors and a 700 sqm. terrace, each architectural element in this space was designed with interaction with the natural environment in mind.
Alayeto and his team have opted for noble and local materials, such as stone and wood, to evoke the robust and serene character of the Pyrenees, thus creating an authentic and sophisticated atmosphere.
The challenging geographical location of the building, on a steep mountain slope descending to the valley, required a complex study to ensure its visual and technical integration into the surroundings. The choice of suitable materials and adaptation to the terrain have been essential for this.
The objective was clear: to design a building that would allow you to feel the nature of Andorra in every corner, achieving a perfect balance between the exterior and the interior. L'Abarset's large panoramic windows offer visitors sweeping views of the mountains, which allows them to enjoy the scenery both day and night.
To maintain a comfortable temperature and reduce the energy impact, innovative sustainable solutions have been implemented, such as triple-layer glazing and advanced thermal insulation that improve energy efficiency and allow a stable internal temperature to be maintained throughout the year. In addition, L'Abarset's heating and air conditioning system is based on Feda-Ecoterm cogeneration technology, which, in addition to being environmentally responsible, has one of the lowest carbon footprints compared to conventional systems.
The implementation of a low-temperature underfloor heating system and dual-flow ventilation with a high-efficiency heat recovery system has been key to reducing thermal losses and ensuring a comfortable environment.
Responsibility and design in harmony with the mountain
One of the biggest challenges in the design of L'Abarset was to achieve a structure that combined the mountain’s rustic nature with a modern and exclusive architectural style. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Pyrenees, Alayeto incorporated organic elements into the interior decoration, which provide a distinctive and enveloping touch to the space.
Walls decorated with tree trunk sculptures, lattices made of branches and bars that seem to emerge from the earth are examples of how the interior design pays tribute to the natural surroundings, reflecting the essence of the mountain in every detail. The decorative elements and textures, including aged wood and stone, add an authentic touch that makes you feel right at home.
Continuing with its commitment to sustainability, the garden roof contributes both to visual integration in the environment and to improving the building’s thermal efficiency, while the latest generation LED lighting system guarantees low energy consumption without sacrificing the comfort and warmth of the spaces.
Social responsibility is also a key point for L’Abarset, and for this reason it collaborates with PMMT Arquitectura to implement the Clear Code method, an innovative tool that guarantees universal accessibility. This parametric method ensures that everyone can enjoy the space equally, while also optimising the use of eco-efficient materials in the design and production of signage for all public and private entrances, and maximising the entry of natural light to create a comfortable and healthy environment for all visitors.
An architectural space to enjoy at any time
L'Abarset is a space where the architecture is designed to adapt to different times of the day and to its visitors’ pace. Its versatile design allows you to enjoy the surroundings and comfort at any time, transforming between day and night to offer environments suitable for both rest and social life.
During the day, the abundant natural light that floods the space creates an energetic atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a break and a moment of rest before or after skiing. As night falls, the space is transformed by the warm light and tones of the mountain, offering an atmosphere of exclusivity and relaxation that makes it the centre of the nightlife in Grandvalira.
Visitors can enjoy every corner of L'Abarset thanks to its flowing, open architecture, which allows them to move from the main room to the terrace without losing the visual connection with the natural surroundings. The terrace becomes a perfect place to socialise and enjoy the views, while the interior areas allow visitors to feel comfortable and enveloped in the warmth of sophisticated decoration, in perfect harmony with the landscape.
L’Abarset: a must-see in the Pyrenees
L’Abarset is much more than a place to relax after a day’s skiing; it is a refuge where architecture and design come together to offer an experience that connects with the essence of the Pyrenees. Here, every detail is aligned with the spirit of the place: a tribute to nature that invites visitors to experience the mountains in an authentic and sophisticated way.