How furniture creates flow in a busy alpine venue.
The focus for Cardrona Alpine Resort was to help create a space where guests could relax while still keeping pace with the constant demand of the ski season. Designed by Three Sixty Architecture, Cardrona needed to balance comfort and durability, while using furniture to guide movement and create a natural flow that lifts the guest experience. The space had to feel calm and welcoming, even as it carried the constant rhythm of ski boots, wet gear and groups gathering between runs.
Banquettes anchor the social spaces of the resort and play a key role in controlling movement within the open plan layout. The curved form creates natural gathering points where families and ski crews can settle in without spilling into main circulation paths. By clearly defining seating zones, banquettes help keep walkways open and moving, even during the busiest periods. Upholstered for added warmth and built with durability needed for alpine hospitality, they offer a comfortable place to land after a run while handling heavy use, moisture and constant turnover. They bring softness, structure and a sense of calm to a venue that serves thousands of people each day.
The space is softly divided with Relate planters, subtly guiding movement while maintaining visual openness across the venue. Positioned along circulation edges, they help separate dining areas from main walkways without creating hard barriers or interrupting the outside alpine view. Planted with native alpine species, the planters reinforce a sense of place and bring a calming natural layer into a high-traffic, busy space.
Short-stay touch points are created through the use of leaners for guests who are coming and going to support the pace and flow of the space. Positioned to allow people to pause without committing to longer stays, they reduce congestion around main seating zones, allowing the flow of guests to continue, even throughout the busiest peaks in traffic. Together with banquettes and planters, furniture helps shape a social space that remains relaxed, organised and welcoming throughout the day.
Harrows were great to collaborate with and the furniture really shapes connection within the space. The whole area feels warm and welcoming, inviting people to linger and connect
