Koutalaki Ski Village: BIG Architects Unveils a Luxurious Winter Resort You Can Ski on Top Of

Thanks to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/big-to-transform-swiss-transitlager-warehouse-into-a-hip-urban-development/" target="_blank">Bjarke Ingles</a> and <a href="http://www.big.dk/" target="_blank">BIG Architects</a>, the sleepy Levi Resort in Lapland will soon be transformed into a futuristic world class ski destination. Plans for the revamped resort even include a swooping luxury building that will <a href="http://inhabitat.com/fantastic-norways-mountain-hill-cabin-is-part-ski-slope-part-winter-retreat/" target="_blank">feature a roof that visitors can ski on</a>! Called the Koutalaki Ski Village, the new complex will be an extension of the existing summit and current buildings that will revitalize the area with fun activities and green features.

A short drive from Kittilä airport, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/electricfied-tron-legacy-inspired-icehotel-suite-in-sweden/" target="_blank">the Lapland area</a> is already an accessible tourist attraction. The new Koutalaki Resort will be situated around a gathering common square.

The new undulating buildings will radiate out from the central area, rising from the snow into arched peaks and down again. Four of these buildings will face different directions, sloping down to allow skiers to ascend and descend over the buildings in any direction. The soft curves of the buildings mimic the mountainous landscape of the already <a href="http://inhabitat.com/bigs-waste-to-energy-ski-slope-incinerator-scrapped-due-to-environmental-concerns/" target="_blank">popular ski area</a>.

Beneath the ski slope buildings, the interior glows with a cozy warm light toward the common square area. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tower-hartets-rippling-structure-brings-social-housing-and-a-health-care-under-one-roof-in-the-netherlands/" target="_blank">sloping roofs extend</a> over the outdoor area, shielding visitors below from harsh winds while still be outdoors.

Visitors can <a href="http://inhabitat.com/magnificent-open-skate-park-by-selgascano-brings-cool-and-healthy-playfulness-to-a-spanish-city/" target="_blank">ice skate</a> or attend music events on the common square under the protection of the extended eaves.

On ground level, the “streets” cater to skiers, so that they may walk or ski throughout the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/shakti-is-a-solar-powered-eco-retreat-nestled-in-the-himalayas/" target="_blank">entire resort village</a>, from café to bar to their rooms. Should they decide the need for speed, centrally located elevators can take them to the roof, to ski down or to stop for a bite at the roof top restaurant.

The truly unique experience creates a connection to the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/poop-news-arizona-ski-resort-to-make-snow-from-human-effluent/" target="_blank">snowy mountainous region</a>, and gives the visitor full enjoyment of winter fun. Koutalaki can also be enjoyed in summer- the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-roofed-serpentine-swiss-lake-resort-has-see-through-skin/" target="_blank">roofs being covered in grass</a> for the ultimate hiking and picnicking experience.