Six Senses to debut in Scandinavia with Svart hotel in Norway

The 94-room energy-positive project is scheduled to open in 2024

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has unveiled plans to construct an energy-positive property in Norway’s Holandsfjorden fjord.

Comprising 94-rooms, Six Senses Svart will open in 2024 at the base of the Svartisen glacier. The structure will be set on poles above the fjord to ensure minimal impact on the environment and it is claimed will be the first building to be designed and built according to the highest energy-efficiency standards in the northern hemisphere.

The project blends “futuristic design and technological innovation” with earthy, organic materials and will use solar energy for the construction and to power the hotel and adjacent operations once they are completed. The circular shape of the building will allow it to offer panoramic views and privacy with an expanded distance between rooms, all the while generating energy from the roof. Six Senses Svart will also have its own waste and water management and recycling infrastructure. 

In addition, the team will work with existing sustainable fishing and farming operations and collaborate with local suppliers for the restaurants and bars including zero-waste dining venue The Marketplace.

 Artist’s impression of Six Senses Svart, due to open in 2024

On-site facilities will include the Alchemy Bar, which will transform local flora and fauna into scents and scrubs; the Earth Lab, which will showcase “lifecycle living” initiatives on and off the property; and the Svart Design Lab, which will act as an incubator for innovation and education, informing guests on the power of new technologies to bring the sector closer to carbon neutrality.

Commenting on the project, Six Senses CEO Neil Jacobs said: “Sustainable properties call for extraordinary creativity, and Six Senses Svart takes us to a whole new level in terms of pushing boundaries. The concept has become bigger than the project itself, as it will provide a futuristic showcase for what can be achieved in terms of sustainability and energy solutions, and therefore a blueprint within our hospitality industry and the development sector in general.”

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Svart development director Ivaylo Lefterov added: “Building a unique environment through cutting-edge design and superior craftsmanship comes with clear obligations. Creating a sustainable destination through an optimised resort operation requires us to collaborate with the right partner.

“Six Senses shares the same ethos and ambition, to redefine bespoke travel through technological innovation, a carbon-neutral approach, groundbreaking design and an exceptional guest journey.”

According to Six Senses, energy-positive buildings like this one could deliver 89% of the 45% decrease in emissions required for global warming to be limited to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. In addition, Six Senses’ Net Zero Lab aims to develop sustainable practices and technology to help improve the industry at large.

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas was acquired by IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2019 and currently manages 17 hotels and resorts and 26 spas in 20 countries.

For more information, visit www.sixsenses.com/en