For the first time in Georgia, Italian architectural firm NOA is participating in the development of the first mountain ski hotel under the Rotana brand. Speaking on BMG’s Business Weekly, Lukas Rungger, co-founder of NOA, discussed the partnership with Pontus Development, the project’s design vision, and the reasons behind selecting Gudauri as its location.
Rungger described the project as a significant milestone for the studio, highlighting the close cooperation between all parties involved.
“This is our ‘first child,’ as we sometimes call our projects. It was an emotional beginning because we are not only developing ideas but also bringing them to life. That requires strong chemistry between the client, Pontus, the Rotana team, and our architects. We found that connection very quickly, and it led to bold and outstanding results,” he said.
Explaining why Gudauri was chosen, Rungger noted that the resort’s landscape and seasonal character remind him of the Alps and the Dolomites, where he grew up. At the same time, he said the project presents a new cultural challenge that makes it particularly attractive for the studio.
“There are many similarities in terms of nature and the changing seasons, so in some ways it feels like home. But culturally it is a completely different environment, and discovering new regions outside our comfort zone has become increasingly important for us,” he noted.
Rungger also emphasized Georgia’s openness to innovation, describing the country as a place where architects have the freedom to create distinctive concepts. According to him, the project’s main architectural idea is to establish a dialogue with the surrounding landscape, creating a building that blends naturally into the environment while encouraging exploration.
“The concept is about discovery. Every space, every corner offers a different experience. The building should feel like part of the journey itself, almost like an architectural parkour that visitors gradually uncover,” he concluded.
