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Bilú Riviera
Bilú Riviera
Montevideo, Uruguay
Project Featured on Nov 06, 2024
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Bilú Riviera
Montevideo, Uruguay
Project Featured on Nov 06, 2024
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2023
SIZE
100,000 sqft - 300,000 sqft
BUDGET
Undisclosed
Situated in the residential neighbourhood of Carrasco in Montevideo, Uruguay, Bilú Riviera stands as a testament to architectural innovation and historical preservation. Its roots go back to the lands once owned by Salvador Carrasco, a Canarian immigrant who lent his name to the area. In 1921, a vision by Montevideo's own Alfredo Arocena culminated in the construction of the Carrasco Hotel, a masterpiece designed by Franco-Swiss architects Jacques Dunant and Gaston Mallet. This iconic hotel became the focal point around which the elegant residential neighbourhood, crafted by landscape architect Carlos Thays, blossomed.
A few blocks away along the same picturesque waterfront, the Bristol Hotel emerged in 1925, exuding the Art Deco style of the era with its distinctive architecture featuring curved balconies, parapets, railings, and geometric decorative motifs gracing both the building's structure and its original furnishings.
The Bristol Hotel thrived as a preferred destination for the Uruguayan and Argentine aristocracy during the Belle Époque. Following a period of closure, it underwent a transformation led by architect Oscar Koch in May 1992, and reopened as the Riviera Complex. This space was designed for banquets and events and expanded by incorporating a neighbouring property with a mansion and a garden, significantly increasing the complex's total area.
Between 2002 and 2007, however, a gradual decline in activity led to the eventual closure of the complex, leaving it in a state of dereliction. Unfortunately, the absence of heritage protection exposed the building to structural deterioration over the years, primarily due to its unprotected exposure to salt air, which eroded both its façade and its intricate ornamentation.
After several years of neglect, the Altius Group acquired the property and embarked on a project in collaboration with our architectural firm that harmoniously merges history, heritage preservation and a vision for the future.
This development uniquely honours and preserves the architectural features of the existing buildings, which have become an integral part of the city's collective memory.
The project reimagines the original functions into a versatile mixed-use space, uniting the Smart Riviera smart office complex with the luxury residences of Bilú Riviera.
Architecturally, the project recognizes three distinct areas of intervention: the historic Riviera Hotel, the northern extension of the hotel, and the mansion with its picturesque garden.
The renovation of the hotel meticulously conserves the expressive features of the original building, retaining its distinctive Art Deco elements and internal layout, all while optimizing spaces to capture the most breathtaking views.
To the north, a new residential structure seamlessly integrates with the old hotel, transforming the former party wall into a contemporary façade. Adjacent to the hotel's side, a modern office building complements the ensemble. Its design language presents a contemporary aesthetic while respecting the original construction's principles. The building boasts a grand, triple-height lobby with an expansive and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere across three levels.
The mansion and garden, inspired by Andalusian architecture, constitute a heritage-rich ensemble. The renovation accentuates these unique features and adapts the spaces to corporate use.
Each sector presents distinct compositional, spatial, and expressive values. The project marries architectural design with materiality, employing straightforward yet expressive materials such as exposed concrete, stone, glass, and wood—utilized in fixed panels and protective shutters.
The project seamlessly melds architecture and interior design into a unified vision, prioritizing the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality. This building, with its singular compositional and programmatic character, establishes an iconic landmark that defines a unique identity and brand within the local landscape.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Programme: Mixed-Use
Renovation, Expansion, and Interior Design - Offices and Residences
Status: Completed
Area: 13,834 sqm
Awards and Recognitions:
Certification: LEED Core & Shell, Certified (in progress), 2022
First prize in the category "Reconversion, Revitalization, and Enhancement of Buildings and Urban Environments" at the Latin American Real Estate Development Awards (LADI).
A few blocks away along the same picturesque waterfront, the Bristol Hotel emerged in 1925, exuding the Art Deco style of the era with its distinctive architecture featuring curved balconies, parapets, railings, and geometric decorative motifs gracing both the building's structure and its original furnishings.
The Bristol Hotel thrived as a preferred destination for the Uruguayan and Argentine aristocracy during the Belle Époque. Following a period of closure, it underwent a transformation led by architect Oscar Koch in May 1992, and reopened as the Riviera Complex. This space was designed for banquets and events and expanded by incorporating a neighbouring property with a mansion and a garden, significantly increasing the complex's total area.
Between 2002 and 2007, however, a gradual decline in activity led to the eventual closure of the complex, leaving it in a state of dereliction. Unfortunately, the absence of heritage protection exposed the building to structural deterioration over the years, primarily due to its unprotected exposure to salt air, which eroded both its façade and its intricate ornamentation.
After several years of neglect, the Altius Group acquired the property and embarked on a project in collaboration with our architectural firm that harmoniously merges history, heritage preservation and a vision for the future.
This development uniquely honours and preserves the architectural features of the existing buildings, which have become an integral part of the city's collective memory.
The project reimagines the original functions into a versatile mixed-use space, uniting the Smart Riviera smart office complex with the luxury residences of Bilú Riviera.
Architecturally, the project recognizes three distinct areas of intervention: the historic Riviera Hotel, the northern extension of the hotel, and the mansion with its picturesque garden.
The renovation of the hotel meticulously conserves the expressive features of the original building, retaining its distinctive Art Deco elements and internal layout, all while optimizing spaces to capture the most breathtaking views.
To the north, a new residential structure seamlessly integrates with the old hotel, transforming the former party wall into a contemporary façade. Adjacent to the hotel's side, a modern office building complements the ensemble. Its design language presents a contemporary aesthetic while respecting the original construction's principles. The building boasts a grand, triple-height lobby with an expansive and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere across three levels.
The mansion and garden, inspired by Andalusian architecture, constitute a heritage-rich ensemble. The renovation accentuates these unique features and adapts the spaces to corporate use.
Each sector presents distinct compositional, spatial, and expressive values. The project marries architectural design with materiality, employing straightforward yet expressive materials such as exposed concrete, stone, glass, and wood—utilized in fixed panels and protective shutters.
The project seamlessly melds architecture and interior design into a unified vision, prioritizing the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality. This building, with its singular compositional and programmatic character, establishes an iconic landmark that defines a unique identity and brand within the local landscape.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Programme: Mixed-Use
Renovation, Expansion, and Interior Design - Offices and Residences
Status: Completed
Area: 13,834 sqm
Awards and Recognitions:
Certification: LEED Core & Shell, Certified (in progress), 2022
First prize in the category "Reconversion, Revitalization, and Enhancement of Buildings and Urban Environments" at the Latin American Real Estate Development Awards (LADI).
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