Situated in the Blekinge Archipelago in Southern Sweden, Eriksberg Nature Reserve is one of Northern Europe’s largest protected areas for wildlife. Nature and wildlife thrive across the 925-hectare estate and beyond.
In the spring of 2024, Eriksberg opened the Ark Hotel, designed by architect Oskar Årevall. Intended to mirror a boat, that has landed in the reserve’s environment, guests can now board a journey to experience the animals, birds and their environment from both inside, and outside of the hotel.
To encompass biophilic design within the new hotel’s interiors and ensure guests feel connected to the natural environment through the use of nature and space, power design duo Carl Philip Bernadotte and Oscar Kylberg of design studio Bernadotte & Kylberg were commissioned to not only set the tone for the rooms but also design three majestical suites.
This feature explores what it means to design with nature in mind, the details of the Ark Hotel and an exclusive conversation with Bernadotte & Kylberg.
Features of The Ark at Eriksberg Nature Reserve
To spend a night, or two, or three at the Ark Hotel in Eriksberg is to teeter on the edge of nature and immerse oneself in the surrounding and thriving biodiversity.
Boasting 20 rooms and 3 suites, constructed from wood, the building was designed to minimise any significant footprint on the environment. Walking along the outdoor corridor, you are overcome with the smell of fresh wood before you enter – it is a sensory experience in itself.
Below is an overview of some of the important and considered features of the Ark:
- The façade is maintenance-free treated wood
- The hotel features a sedum roof to support local management of rainwater
- Warmed with rock heating, ventilation is integrated to minimise energy losses. Rock heating has been selected with the intention of removing the need for cooling via electricity during the summer months. Rock heating has been made possible with 8 drilled holes into the neighbouring mountain, approximately 100 metres deep. These drill holes can make it possible to heat and cool the pool and hotel.
- The aforementioned outdoor corridors were purposefully selected to minimize energy use as it means there is less space that requires heating
- To maximise efficiencies, the balconies’ collars facing the South minimise sunlight entering the room directly, further reducing the need for cooling during summer, and equally providing warmth and light during the dark winter
- The Ark, true to its heritage, also serves as a rain and wind shelter for animals. The team are currently growing the green area around the new building, and you can enjoy watching birds feed and ducks waddle close to the hotel
Biophilic interior design inside the Ark with Bernadotte & Kylberg
To match the nature-inclusive properties and exterior of the Ark, design studio Bernadotte & Kylberg was commissioned to set the tone for the interiors, including three luxurious suites that sit at the end of the Ark hotel. Bernadotte & Kylberg’s design philosophy is to create unique and sustainable design, with a razor-sharp focus on maximum user benefit and high design quality.
Each suite has encompassed nature and biophilic design in different ways. Urberg (primeval mountain), Skog (forest) and Himmel (sky) have been carefully curated with exquisite craftsmanship and smart material choices that harmonize with elements of Eriksberg’s nature.
Whilst the photographs speak for themselves, I wanted to highlight a few of my favourite details in each suite.
In Uberg, there is a dedicated glass built into the floor so that you can watch the animals feeding. There are large rocks set across the suite for guests to perch, further encompassing that mountainous feel. A standout feature is also the light fixture, which is a trunk and base of a tree, helping to bring the outdoors inside.
Credit: Bernadotte & Kylberg
The Skog suite brings feelings of instant cosiness with its dark green hues. The moss-inspired carpets across the room are inspired by the moss that sits on top of so many of the ancient stones and rocks across the nature reserve. The design team have incorporated wood into this space too, with trees nestling across different points of the room, making it truly feel like a forest. Alongside a larger-than-life rainforest shower, one of my favourite things about this suite is the water lily wallpaper inspired by pattern designer Martin Bergström’s trip to Lake Färsksjön in the reserve where an abundance of the plant species sit.
Credit: Bernadotte & Kylberg
On the top floor, lies the Arken suite. Breathtaking in every way, it is light and airy, true to its theme of the sky. Sleeping here feels like you are floating on a cloud. The feathered wallpaper, marbling on the bathroom tiles and cloud-like carpets help to make it feel like you really are high up. I loved the little touches, like lavender by the bath, grown in the garden just next to the building. I was also drawn to the light fixtures, including the mirrored ones placed in the bedroom. These were designed by Bernadotte & Kylberg and produced by multi-award-winning glass artists Simon Klenell and Rasmus Nossbring at Stockholm Glas.
If I could take two things home, it would be the striking cabinets that double as a mini bar with their multiple doors and the Bernadotte & Kylberg cashmere throws which you can purchase via their website.
All rooms are equipped with high-quality Leica binoculars so that you can spot all of the animals on the reserve from your bedroom and balcony.
The Ark is home to beautiful double rooms too. They are spacious and warm, with walls detailed with beautiful mural paintings of the animals you see right on the nature reserve. I loved the oak flooring, which was sourced locally too. These spaces provide a completely different feeling, many on the lower floor open up to beautiful green grass peppered with colourful wildflowers.
In conservation with Bernadotte & Kylberg
In this Q&A, I learn more from the design team at Bernadotte & Kylberg about their approach to design for Eriksberg’s Arken hotel.
Q: Why is sustainability and designing for longevity so important to Bernadotte & Kylberg?
A: “These principles are fundamental to us since we believe in creating products that both have a minimal environmental impact and stand the test of time. Our commitment to sustainability goes hand in hand with our design philosophy ‘change through design’. In this project, we have worked exclusively with highly sustainable and, when possible, locally sourced materials. We believe that today, it is an obvious responsibility for a designer to work from a sustainability perspective in every aspect. But sustainability is of course also about the products lasting a long time, which is at least as important as choosing the right materials.”
Q: What are the main ways you worked to blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors at Eriksberg to enhance the impact of nature and harmony with the environment
A: “We accomplished this by using natural materials, organic shapes such as real tree stems, granite rocks, and textiles with the feel and shape of moss and reflecting the surrounding landscape. We also incorporated elements like wooden textures, stone surfaces, and natural light to create a seamless transition between the interior and the surrounding nature. This design approach enhances the impact of nature and offers the guests a sense of harmony and tranquillity.”
Q: What feelings did you want the design to evoke for guests?
A: “The design at Eriksberg was intended to evoke feelings of serenity, comfort, and a deep connection with Eriksberg’s unique nature. We wanted guests to feel a sense of calm and rejuvenation upon entering the suites. We believe that we have created an environment which is both luxurious and inviting, where guests can unwind and feel at peace with the natural surroundings.”
Q: What are some of your favourite features and pieces in the suites?
A: “Some of our favourite features in the suites include the custom-made furniture, the intricate stonework, and Martin Bergström’s unique wallpapers, inspired by Eriksberg’s nature. We take pride in the craftsmanship and the thoughtful integration of local materials that have added character and authenticity to each suite.”
Q: Tell me more about the focus on local craftsmanship.
A: “Many of the materials were locally sourced and produced by local producers and makers to support regional craftsmanship and ensure high quality. For example, furniture from Specab and stone from Kullaro stone of Sweden were specifically chosen to reflect the local heritage and add a unique touch to the interiors. This focus on local sourcing not only supports the community but also adds a layer of authenticity to the design.”
Q: With 3 different themes, Urberg, Skog and Himmel – how did you approach creating a different theme in each of these rooms?
A: “Each suite has a distinct narrative and material and colour palette to bring the different environments to life. For Urberg (Bedrock), earthy tones and robust materials were used to evoke the strength and stability of the ground. Skog (Forest) incorporated rich greens and wooden elements to reflect the lushness and tranquillity of the forest. Himmel (Sky) featured lighter shades and airy designs to capture the openness and serenity of the sky. Each room tells a story through its interior design theme, connecting to Eriksberg’s nature and hopefully creating a unique experience for guests.”
Q: One of my favourite elements is the wallpapers inspired by Eriksberg’s surrounding nature. Tell us about your collaboration with Martin Bergström on this and the creative process.
A: “We asked Martin Bergstrom, as one part of our overall design vision for the project, to translate the natural beauty of Eriksberg into captivating wallpaper designs. Bergström’s expertise in the Swedish flora, textile design and his deep appreciation for nature helped in creating patterns that seamlessly blend with the overall aesthetic of the suites. For example, the wallpaper for the forest suite is based on water lilies, hand-picked by Martin from the local lake at Eriksberg. The wallpapers are a highlight, adding a layer of artistic expression that resonates with the surrounding environment.”
Q: Did you encounter any challenges in the design and implementation of the suites?
A: “One of the challenges we encountered was ensuring that the design was seamlessly integrated with the natural surroundings without compromising on luxury and comfort. Additionally, sourcing sustainable materials and working with local artisans required careful planning and coordination to maintain high standards of craftsmanship and sustainability.”
Q: What would be your advice to other designers who are looking to incorporate more nature into their design?
A: “Designers looking to incorporate more nature into their work should focus on the local environment and cultural context to create designs that are both sustainable and meaningful and in harmony with the specific place they were designed for.”
Q: Do you have plans to work on more hotels in the future?
A: “Following the success of the Ice Hotel and Eriksberg, we want to keep exploring new opportunities within the hospitality industry. We will definitely continue to create more unique and sustainable designs, that offer memorable experiences for guests, while also pushing the boundaries of innovation and craftsmanship in hotel design.”
To stay at the Ark Hotel, you can book your room via the website.
I’ll be sharing the full story on my trip to Eriksberg Nature Reserve very soon so stay tuned.
See highlights via Instagram.
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