The project is spearheaded by design duo Piotr Wisniewski and Barbara Elwardt from weStudio.
The cōmodo opened its doors in the foothills of the Austrian Alps. Since January 27 2023, guests are invited to share in the Belle-Epoque beauty of Bad Gastein at this brand-new boutique hotel. Years of careful curation have culminated in a design-driven retreat complete with a modern Alpine restaurant and a restorative spa offering.
Reborn from the bones of an old clinic, the cōmodo translates a mid-century vibe into a modern mountain escape. A series of art collaborations, custom-made furniture and assorted vintage finds add a distinctive edge to this 70-room stay, perched in the alpine town of Bad Gastein.
The project is spearheaded by design duo Piotr Wisniewski and Barbara Elwardt from weStudio. The Berlin-based creative practice has found their niche in interior and hospitality design, focused on creating cohesive, art-led spaces with a story to tell.
The design
Throughout the space, bold shapes and a rich colour palette create a warm and inviting atmosphere – an ode to the mid-century modernist style of the 1960s and 70s.
Design highlights include a wall of local Austrian Sölker marble, as well as a curated selection of vintage finds from the makers’ own collection and their travels.
In the lobby – the heart of the hotel – guests will find Mario Bellini’s iconic Camaleonda sofa and Gae Aulenti’s collection for Knoll International. Elsewhere, Joe Colombo’s beloved Elda armchair sits pretty alongside his iconic arched Coupé standing lamp.
weStudio commissioned no less than 117 custom pieces for the space – from beds, side tables, lamps and counters to cabinets, buffets and the bar. Pieces were designed in a range of exclusive materials such as Sölker Marmor, Lapponia Verde granite, Travertino Classico and Rosso as well as high-end fabrics by Kvadrat.
The soul
Meanwhile, at the restaurant, stunning vistas are paired with natural and artisanal wines, classic cocktails and modern Alpine cuisine. Here, it’s all about a farm-to-table approach where sustainability is key. Ingredients are sourced fresh from local farmers and producers, each meal artfully assembled without sacrificing on flavour and creativity.
Elsewhere, the cōmodo spa draws on Bad Gastein‘s centuries-old healing powers to create its own wellness traditions. Wellness is deeply rooted in Bad Gastein’s DNA; the town beckoned emperors and empresses since the early 19th-century thanks to its mineral-rich baths, restorative hikes and abundant nature. Complete with treatment rooms, two saunas, and an indoor pool, the cōmodo spa offers a range of tailored treatments, each performed using luxury Saint Charles products and the healing properties of the Gastein natural spring water.
Behind the scenes
Art plays a starring role at the cōmodo, shining the spotlight on some of the world’s most revered and upcoming talent. Photographer Gerrit Engel created a series of 15 photographic prints for the cōmodo, featured alongside by art by the likes of Jeppe Hein and Tomoyuki Ueno, amongst others. Promising new talents such as sculptor Lisa Dengler, as well as renowned gallerists are expected to join the stellar line-up of contributors on a running basis.
The brand-new boutique hotel marks a bold debut for the cōmodo brand – the first of a series of design hotels projected to pop up around the world over the coming years.
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
