The project for the renovation of the Hotel Arpoador goes beyond the idea of a cozy hotel, creating an inviting space, where interior and exterior are blended. Its lobby is integrated into the bar through a patio bathed in natural light, a continuous line connecting Francisco Otaviano and Francisco Bhering streets. The façade is composed of a large wooden panel loose from the structure, which frames the views for those who see from within and creates a subtle order for the building. The beach climate permeates the entire choice of materials used in the project, from wooden flooring (alluding to a boat deck) to the straw, fibers, linen and cotton used in the interior spaces. On the top floor, the terrace presents a triangular pool with sea views. On the side overlooking the city, a space dedicated to wellness with sauna, room for massage, and another for exercises. The Arpoador offers 49 rooms.
All furniture and fabrics were developed from the concept of total work of art, which presupposes an integration between various forms of artistic expression. The woodwork was designed especially for each space of the hotel, from the rooms to the common areas. In allusion to the nautical architecture, the furniture of the rooms is made of pieces that fit together, allowing different uses. Both the fabrics of the interiors and the uniforms of the team had their colors inspired by the shades of the Arpoador beach, having been developed exclusively for the project.
The renovation of the old Hotel Arpoador aimed at amplifying its original qualities to reinforce its character of being one of the very few hotels in Rio de Janeiro that are directly connected to the beach, without the need to cross any roads. The renovation process faced challenges with a severely compromised building that offered very few alternatives within its original framework. The negotiation between the new façade system, room distribution and the existing structure was fierce and required highly detailed adaptations. The design results represent the craft of architecture and interior design at its finest, operating with highly integrated building and furniture detailing that enabled the hotel to completely open up to the Ipanema beach landscape. The hotel’s symbolic qualities, as part of the strong beach culture of Rio, are supported by rigorously designed spaces that consider both sensitive and technical issues. This interplay is unique amidst current architectural production of the city and provide the hotel with exceptional features that make it stand out in the neighborhood.
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