Vancouver-based Arno Matis Architecture’s Vertical Micro-Climate Resort (VMR) concept has been named one of three finalists in the New York Radical Innovation Design competition, an annual globally renowned competition on hospitality innovation.

Put on by a global leader in hospitality development, The John Hardy Group, the award aims to discover concepts that have the power to change the hotel industry.

Chosen from more than 65 entries from 24 countries, this year’s finalists represent the latest in hotel design and offer a glimpse at the future of travel. The three professional finalists will compete for the grand prize of $10,000.

Called the Vertical Micro-climate Resort, the hotel is designed to run solely on hydro-power and maximize natural sunlight. Using natural thermal and solar technology, this mountain-top resort concept near the southern tip of Vancouver Island provides a warm and bright year-round indoor/outdoor tropically-inspired environment for guests.

Resort grounds are naturally brightened by concave-shaped towers that use reflective guardrail systems to redirect additional light downward. Natural light apertures on the deck slab refract additional light into the suites and indoor amenity spaces.  Geothermal heat warms cliff-edge pools, while greenhouse-like pool cabanas make the retreat space enjoyable even in a wintry climate.

The other two finalists are a treetop hotel resort and a ‘Play Design Hotel’ that functions as both an incubator and living lab for designers.

The finalists will present their concepts in October to an audience of hotel developers, owners, executives and designers who vote for the grand prize winner.

The runner-up will take home $5,000, and the student winner will receive a $1,500 prize and opportunity to pursue a scholarship at at University of Nevada, Las Vegas for a Master’s of Architecture Degree in Hospitality Design.