Ultra-wealthy individuals are increasingly installing indoor snow rooms in their homes and even on superyachts, with prices starting at around £100,000 ($130,000). The trend, described as a 'choice amenity for those atop economic Everest' by the New York Times, reflects a growing demand for extravagant biophilic design elements.
How Snow Rooms Work
The technology mirrors that used in ski resorts, employing snow-making machines to create indoor snowfall. TechnoAlpin, a leading manufacturer, notes that these rooms use about 200 litres of water per week. Additionally, up to 80% of the electrical energy required can be recovered and used to heat swimming pools, making the system somewhat efficient for those who already own pools.
Custom features such as marble, fake rocks, and fake trees can increase the cost beyond the base price. The rooms are designed for relaxation, often used in conjunction with saunas for contrast therapy, though health benefits specific to snow are unproven.
A Symbol of Wealth
The snow room trend has reached superyachts, with the 440-foot Serene, owned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, featuring its own snow room. This underscores the status symbol aspect, as the ultra-rich seek unique ways to display their wealth. According to TechnoAlpin, the concept was 'a product concept awaiting a sufficiently bloated sense of entitlement.'
Despite the environmental concerns, the energy recovery system mitigates some impact, though critics view it as a prime example of grotesque profligacy. The rooms provide a whimsical escape, allowing owners to enjoy snow regardless of climate, with one enthusiast noting, 'I find it very therapeutic, and the huskies love it in here.'
