Listen now: ‘energy-positive hotels’ is the theme for ep. 20 of DESIGN POD

Listen up. The latest episode of DESIGN POD has dropped, and in it Editor Hamish Kilburn speaks to Ivaylo Lefterov to understand the challenges and opportunities behind developing the world’s first energy-positive hotel, which will sit under a spectacular glacier in Norway…

Ivaylo Lefterov Svart DESIGN POD

Episode 20 of DESIGN POD, the podcast for all architecture and design enthusiasts, is all about looking ahead while also embracing the latest technology available to allow hotel experts to design a more conscious hospitality landscape, with holistic wellness and wellbeing at the core.

Ever since Hotel Designs heard the first whispers of Svart – and its ambitious aims – the editorial team have been engaged and excited to follow the development, which in 2024, is slated to become the world’s first energy-positive hotel. The 94-key hotel, which will be operated by Six Senses Hotels and Resorts, is going to break new boundaries on the global hotel design and hospitality scene. And the man pulling together all element to ensure it hits all the right notes is Ivaylo Lefterov, who caught up with me recently to discuss how the project is coming along.

Designed structurally by Snøhetta, Six Senses Svart will combine a futuristic design, led by interior design studio, Space Copenhagen, and technological innovation with earthy, organic materials that will use the latest embedded energy.

Collage of Svart Six Senses Hotel Norway Hotel Designs

Image credit: Svart/Six Senses Hotels & Resorts

The hotel, which will be poised on poles above the crystal-clear waters of the Holandsfjorden fjord, at the base of a glacier, aims to raise awareness of the possibilities of regenerative travel and the importance of the polar region, in partnership with the local community.

Innate to this project, and an integral part of its DNA, is the commitment not to compromise the fragile and pristine glacial surroundings or the property’s beauty and quality. The major design pillars of Six Senses Svart are environment and nature, sustainability, technological innovation, wellness and mindfulness, which have been integrated in tandem because they all directly impact each other.

Main image credit: Hotel Designs/DESIGN POD