Gold Winner of the Architecture & Design Collection Awards 2023
Architect / Designer:
Alberto Torres
Studio:
Torres Arquitetos
Design Team:
Architecture: Torres Arquitetos
Interior Architecture: Marcio Verza
Constructor: BRS Sul
Copyright:
Michel Luís dos Santos
Country:
Brazil
The 249 Design Hotel consists in a retrofit project in the city of Gramado that altered and expanded the old existing inn, adding a new reception volume and a new section of suites with balconies. The city of Gramado is considered one of the most touristy in the country and is considered a “piece” of Europe in Brazil. Therefore, the project sought to unite the contemporary and the existing through materiality and respect for the local characteristics. The existing hotel had a total area of 318m² and 10 suites, with the expansion, the total area became 1106m² and 31 suites. The intervention from the beginning was intended to bring contemporary language in a respectful and harmonious way to the city, which has as its identity the German colonial architectural style. This was done through the use of universal and pure materials that managed to connect the two historical points.
The volume of the building is marked by three distinct blocks. The first one on the left is the existing hotel building that was transformed into the common areas for guest use. The central block is marked by a large triple-height glass and steel frame that marks the hotel’s foyer and is responsible for the connection between the common areas and the new suites, a connection that is made using steel bridges. The third and final block is marked by steel beems that resemble half-timbering, frames that are the bedroom´s balconies and wooden brises. The visual connection of the three blocks is made through the same materiality and mainly through the use of a roof in both the central block and the block with the new rooms, thus referring to the existing building.
For the project, we chose materials common to the Gramado city region. The structural technique chosen was the use of steel as the main element, something that is not very suitable for the location, however, due to the agility of construction, it was chosen. In terms of materiality, we chose to use wood and stone as the main striking external coverings, as they are widely used in Gramado’s architecture.
The external steel frames that mark the side facades are painted black, in order to communicate with the hotel lobby, which is made up of large glass and steel panels, marking the centrality and access of the project.
Internally, the hotel is composed of the same external materials, integrating internal and external areas. The foyer’s fireplace is a large stone volume, which contrasts with the steel beams and large wooden panels, elements that help to warm the environment and bring comfort to users.
Torres Arquitetos
Torres Arquitetos is a company dedicated to the development of architectural and urban projects, having as its titleholder the architect Alberto Torres, graduated from UFRGS in 1991. Founded as Torres & Bello Arquitetos, in 2003 in Porto Alegre – RS, the office has worked on more than 300 commercial and residential projects spread throughout the state, with emphasis on the cities of Torres, Caxias, Gramado, and also capital, conquering along its trajectory several national and international awards.