a frozen arched altar frames the new ceremony hall for the 33rd edition of ICEHOTEL

ICEHOTEL in Sweden introduces its 33rd unit with a ceremony hall

The 33rd edition of ICEHOTEL in the north of Sweden opens with the new ceremony hall ‘Embrace’ that shapes up an arched formation out of condensed snow and blocks of ice. Wouter Biegelaar design studio and architect Viktor Tsarski explore the potential and beauty of ice as a constructive material setting up a solid curved mass. The slight curve that frames the structure of the altar resembles a ‘stylized flower’ that is opening up to its frozen surroundings. Intended to expand during the winter season, the hotel‘s 33rd unit is specifically designed for unconventional frozen celebrations combining the collective work of 24 artists.

all images by Wouter Biegelaar and Asaf Kliger

The curved altar shapes an open flower in the frozen landscape

The altar is the centerpiece of the ceremony hall’s design from which all other lines derive. Blocks of snow and ice are cut with a slight curve creating a ‘stylized flower’ that is opening up. During the season this process will continue to open more and more with new frozen modules and temporary accommodation ice units. The hall aims to bring people together for an extraordinary experience in the snow-white landscape. ‘Embrace’ celebrates, life, love, and all that is positive. In a post covid world filled with war and hate, we try to find a peaceful place. No religion, no orientation, no race. Just love, and embracing all that is good’, share the designers. 

the altar’s walls made of condensed snow display flower patterns

blocks of snow and ice are cut with a slight curve to form the altar of the ceremony hall

the new ceremony hall ‘Embrace’ shapes up a solid arched formation out of condensed snow

large blocks of ice are cut to shape up the ice cluster

the hotel’s 33rd unit is designed for unconventional frozen celebrations combining the work of 24 artists

project info:

name: Embrace: Ceremonyhall for ICEHOTEL #33 in Sweden
designer: Wouter Biegelaar Design Studio

lead designers: Wouter Biegelaar | @wouterbiegelaar – Viktor Tsarski | @viktortsarski

location: Jukkasjärvi, Torne river, Sweden

photography: Wouter Biegelaar – Asaf Kliger | @asaf_kliger

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom