Architect designed a hotel built into a cliff with a pool suspended over a Norwegian fjord

July 26, 2019

The proposed hotel would be built into the side of Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, an incredible 1,982-foot cliff in southern Norway that is a popular attraction for tourists.

The hotel, designed by Hayri Atak Architectural Design Studio in Turkey, would feature an incredible pool suspended over the stunning fjord. The as-yet-unnamed hotel would have a large viewing platform on the top deck, which is also where guests would enter the building, and three floors of accommodation below, each of which would feature a balcony jutting out from the edge of the cliff.

With just nine rooms, a reception area and lobby, and one restaurant and cafe, the boutique hotel would be on the small side, meaning guests should have space to soak up the views in peace.

The clear-bottomed pool would be on the lowest level, allowing swimmers to look down over the breathtaking scenery.

"Pulpit Rock has been one of the most exciting places to me through the years," Atak said.

"One day a friend of mine sent me photos of 'the rock' she captured during her Norway trip. The photos were taken right behind the edge of the gigantic rock.

"Even though I wasn't there, I experienced the adrenaline of being on the edge. Then I dreamed of living on and beyond the edge. Simply, I just wanted to carry this experience beyond the edge."

He acknowledged that the concept of the pool is slightly terrifying.

"The pool was the one and only design element of the project," Atak said. "A pool hanging under the cliff by itself scared me." But he said the hotel structure above the pool would protect it.

The hotel should be considered an extension of the cliff, Atak added.

Unfortunately for those of you already packing your bags, the hotel is very much in the early stages of planning and isn't necessarily going to become a reality.