The Valmont Clinic, a historic institution founded by Doctor Henri Auguste in Glion sur Montreux, and renowned as a reference in rehabilitation and wellness, has been the focus of a prestigious redesign and renovation project carried out by the architecture studio Gascón Group, which specializes in luxury hotels and private clinics. The intervention combines functionality and aesthetics, harmoniously blending exclusivity and modernity.
Gascón Group’s approach aims to transform the very perception of rehabilitation, creating environments that promote physical and mental well-being. The primary goal is to eliminate the cold and impersonal aspect typical of health care facilities, replacing it with elegant, welcoming environments with refined aesthetics, inspired by the atmosphere of a five-star hotel. Every project element is designed to encourage recovery through a multisensory experience, utilizing natural light that envelops the spaces, warm and tactile materials, and a harmonious arrangement of the furniture. Treatment should not just be a medical journey, but a global wellness experience, where the patient feels welcomed, protected, and stimulated by an environment that conveys serenity and exclusivity.
The Suites: flexibility and silent luxury
The core of the intervention lies in the redesign of the suite rooms. The suites cover 1,000 square meters arranged on a single floor. The design has been conceived to ensure maximum flexibility in the use of spaces, adapting them to the needs of the patient himself and family members. The rooms and suites can be flexible in terms of size depending on who is accompanying the guest, guaranteeing comfort and privacy.
The studio adopted an innovative “cluster” model: this design concept allows for a series of rooms that, depending on the need, can be interconnected and thus increase in size. This configuration offers the possibility of reaching up to 300 square meters of totally private space for the patient, offering an exclusive and personalized care and recovery experience.
The suites are designed to have a sleeping area, a living area, and a dining area. The design is the result of serenity-generating choices, thanks to the selection of warm materials and attention to aesthetic and functional comfort. Clinical functionality is preserved despite the elegance: the headboard of the bed creates an aesthetic impact while at the same time hiding all the essential equipment necessary for full recovery care, such as oxygen and space for medication, thanks to a wooden panel.
The materials used are of the highest quality: the floor is made of natural Hungarian herringbone oak parquet with 45-degree angles. The dining tables are made of fine marble, and the sofas in the living areas are upholstered in leather and herringbone cotton for a touch of color and sophistication. Natural light plays a key role in the design, due to the presence of large windows that offer views of the lake, contributing to a feeling of well-being in strong connection with nature outside. The internal lighting is soft with downward-directed soft lights that blend with adjustable spotlights, creating a play of light crossings that give warmth to the environment. Extreme attention was also dedicated to acoustics, ensuring maximum insulation between rooms, which are separated by sliding doors.
Catering and Wellness
Gascón Group studio was in charge of the catering part of the Valmont Clinic, intervening in both the workspaces (the kitchen) and the catering areas for guests. The kitchen intervention was developed at the client’s request to transform the space into a place dedicated to the training of Swiss Medical Network Group chefs. The studio redesigned a more functional and innovative environment, expanding the area and reorganizing the kitchen on two distinct levels: the lower level is dedicated to the technical room and the upper level is organized according to dish preparation. This division was designed to optimize workflows and ensure effective management of training processes. To keep the kitchen cutting edge, the traditional kitchen hoods were replaced with an innovative suction ceiling, a technologically advanced solution to improve the ergonomics of the working environment.
The guest area includes a bar counter that has been strategically placed and features a custom wine cellar flush with the surrounding paneling. The vertical inlaid lines of the paneling recall the historic style, reinterpreted with a modern twist, creating an elegant and sophisticated contrast. The countertop is made of fine white Calacatta marble, characterized by veins tending to yellow and gray. The restaurant area is designed to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere, with a dark-toned atmosphere acting as a frame that enhances the breathtaking view of the lake.
In the wellness area, the Gascón Group enhanced the pool area and added a new section dedicated to the spa in the beauty center, focusing on the study of the guest’s pathways for smooth enjoyment. In terms of lighting in the pool area, two main light sources have been adopted: spot light, which illuminates the spaces, and soft perimeter light positioned poolside, designed not to disturb the guest while they are in the water, creating a gentle and tranquil atmosphere that promotes relaxation.
The entire design for the Valmont Clinic follows a clean, minimalist architectural style, where the simplicity of the forms and the sobriety of the furnishings lend a timeless elegance. Thanks to this fusion of luxury, functionality, and attention to detail, the Valmont Clinic continues to be a guide in the luxury rehabilitation industry.
