vibrant metal grid ceilings by bloco arquitetos uplift almenat hilton hotel

Almenat Hilton Hotel gets an interior makeover

The Almenat Hilton Hotel in Embu das Artes, São Paulo, Brazil, gets an interior makeover by Bloco Arquitetos. The Brasília-based firm redesigned most of the hotel‘s common areas through targeted interventions, creating a completely distinct space from the previous design. The renovation covered the lounges, restaurants, bowling alley, and game rooms, to adapt the spaces to new demands while seeking a functional update. Bloco’s biggest challenge was renovating while the hotel remained operational. Therefore, the team developed the entire project from the outset, focusing on rapid execution.

all images © Manuel Sá

bloco arquitetos’ metal grid panels follow existing geometry

The original hotel design featured exposed concrete and large open spaces with white-painted gypsum ceilings. The architects decided to maintain the original perimeter walls, using different color combinations to identify each of the three floors of the common areas, creating a contrast between the spaces that underwent intervention and the remaining areas. In this way, the application of colors also serves as a visual orientation strategy within such an extensive area. In some sections of the ceiling, the team at Bloco Arquitetos used perforated metal grid panels, adapting to the original geometry of the Almenat Hilton Hotel. This same ceiling module is found in the steel grates design for the bar and restaurant shelves.

Almenat Hilton Hotel in Embu das Artes, São Paulo, Brazil

using furniture and scenic lighting for visual orientation

For the layout, Bloco Arquitetos worked in collaboration with Hilton’s architects and the internal team at Almenat. Taking advantage of the irregular floor plans, it was possible to sectorize some of the functions with furniture. This irregularity is organically reflected in the rugs designed by the Brasilian firm, which help visually organize the hotel space. Additionally, much of the existing furniture was reused, most of it made of wood in natural tones. Some of the new pieces include Bernardo sofas from Atelier Gustavo Bittencourt, along with granilite side tables by Mezas, placed on Punto e Filo rugs specially designed by the architects for this project. In the bar area, guests are met with Clip stools with fabric and structure in Nude color by Fernando Jaeger Atelier. In the restaurant, the architects installed Copa chairs with and without arms, featuring leather seats in Camel, Amazon, and Dune colors, also from Fernando Jaeger Atelier.

perforated metal grid panels adapt to the original geometry

As for lighting in the common areas, multifocus fixtures take center stage to help create scenic lighting, designed to be almost imperceptible, embedded in the metal grid ceiling. Bossa pendants from Lumini were also used, placed above the bar tables and pool tables in the lounge. Despite the Almenat Hilton Hotel being part of an international chain, the Bloco Arquitetos team highlights the complete freedom they had to propose something that would adapt to Brazilian culture and local demands, encouraging a design that sought to ‘break’ the standard while respecting the existing architecture.

the renovation covered the lounges, restaurants, bowling alley, and game rooms