So accommodating: Ritzwell

There are few hotels in the world that combine design, culture and food in an authentic and unpretentious way, leaving one feeling enriched, cared-for, and replenished. Casa Caminada, in Fürstenau, Switzerland’s smallest town, is one of these places.

The creation of cult architect Gion A. Caminada and Michelin star chef Andreas Caminada, the guesthouse finds this harmony by appealing to all of our senses at once: With the smell of exposed timber at the beautifully restored traditional Alpine building, with the taste of flavourful ingredients arranged with artistry on a plate, and with the touch of carefully curated design pieces shaped to our bodies.

Working closely with Swiss furniture dealer Wohnbedarf, Andreas and Gion selected Ritzwell’s Marcel chair for the restaurant, the social heart of the Casa. It was an important choice for Andreas: ‘We were looking for a chair that was not only very comfortable and durable, but also timelessly beautiful and simple – preferably a classic made of wood.’

The Marcel chair’s elegant walnut wood form, designed by Ritzwell creative director Shinsaku Miyamoto, fuses modern technology with the natural strengths of the material to achieve these qualities. Just like Gion’s modern restoration of the architecture, it is informed by history and tradition, yet responds to our contemporary desires.

‘The design also had to be natural and cuddly so that it would radiate the necessary cosiness that suits a guesthouse,’ says Andreas. The Marcel has a comfortable upholstered seat, widened for a more relaxed dining style. It even encourages social interactions – a crescent-shaped backrest supports informal leaning to neighbours left and right.

From the smooth line that travels from the rear legs through the back of the chair, to the warmth of the wood, gently shaped for unconscious moments of touch, the Marcel chair appeals to each sense, just as Casa Caminada does.

Photos: © Gaudenz Danuser

© Architonic