furnas boutique hotel thermal spa by nini andrade silva / saraiva+associados

furnas boutique hotel thermal spa by nini andrade silva / saraiva+associados
all images courtesy of nini andrade silva / saraiva + associados

880 kilometers off the western coast of portugal are the nine mid-atlantic ridge straddling islands of azores. here, portuguese designer nini andrade silva has completed the interior of furnas boutique hotel thermal and spa in collaboration with saraiva+associados. while trying to maintain the original character of the hotel, the design team also needed to consider the facility’s future. 

main entrance, view from inside the spa

they began by creating a concept directly related to the territorial context of the location by emphasizing the wonders of surrounding nature, introducing an updated color palette, and realizing creative design solutions. guests are taken on a journey through the historical, cultural, and natural heritage of são miguel island, with prominence given to the thermal center of furnas–the hotel’s city. on entrance to the structure, visitors find themselves facing a massive photograph by english photographer nickolas bayntun. the dramatic image of local ‘salto do fogo’ waterfall is a powerful initiation to the rest of the space. 

bar 

local and historical products of the azorean culture are placed throughout, creating a relaxed ambiance as well as authenticity. the importance of azorean people and their long migrating lineage is reported through recovered objects such as travel chests and heirlooms. a strong visual red line splits a room in half, highlighting the contrast between contemporary and vintage, past and present.

bar with samples of local products

the restaurant ‘à terra’ was designed as a coupling between existing exterior elements and interior renovations. differentiating components and characters form a poetic, sensational atmosphere. the space revolves around the most important piece, the oven, and large tables were selected to embrace interaction and sharing between guests. 

wall details à terra restaurant

the hotels interior provides customers a direct relationship to their natural surroundings. balance is struck between interior and exterior by a deliberate choice of neutral, organic textures and colors. the furnas boutique hotel thermal and spa is a unique establishment that works well to emphasize the beauty of its location, rather than try to overshadow it. 

à terra restaurant 

outdoor restaurant

meeting area

spa 

rooms

indoor swimming pool

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