The Special Award for the best non-implemented project during the second architectural competition 100% Hotel Design Awards, that was presented during 100% Hotel Show 2015 (27-30 November 2015), was given to hotel
«NOVI VINODOLSKI HOTEL»
and the office
NOVI VINODOLSKI HOTEL - Project Description
The brief called for the design of a 4* hotel in Novi Vinodolski, Croatia, on a plot of approximately 3,800m2, situated between a local marina on the northwest and the sea on the south, in an area currently undeveloped and disconnected from the city's front promenade and the rocky beaches and sea. Although the town is dominated by the tourist industry, the plot was left unused due to previous demolitions, and the regeneration of the entire area was required in order to create a new center of attraction for both travelers and the local community .
The brief called for a hotel, approximately 6,800m2, consisting of 70 rooms with indoor and outdoor common areas such as a restaurant, bar, multi-functional room, wellness center, outdoor pool, retail and parking spaces in the basement. Introducing communal activities and extending the life of the hotel to the beach, whilst allowing locals and visitors to come together to enjoy a charming sea front promenade, were highlighted in the brief.
The brief called for a hotel, approximately 6,800m2, consisting of 70 rooms with indoor and outdoor common areas such as a restaurant, bar, multi-functional room, wellness center, outdoor pool, retail and parking spaces in the basement. Introducing communal activities and extending the life of the hotel to the beach, whilst allowing locals and visitors to come together to enjoy a charming sea front promenade, were highlighted in the brief.
Our proposal was inspired by the unique stepped landscape of Novi Vinodolksi and its geographical section, which unfolds from the mountains down towards agricultural land, the historic town center, and finally to the promenade, the beach and the deep blue water of the sea.
The proposal aimed to enrich guests' experience by layering different operational functions to allow for smooth but defined transitions between public, social, and intimate spaces, as well as open views and contemplative enclosures, formal piazzas and sheltered terraces that open to the sea.
Inspired by the two distinct urban situations at the border of the plot, namely the bustling marina and the calm sea, an animated and homogeneous facade consisting of folding aluminum shutters that filter light was proposed. The shutters are placed along the boundary of the building and on secluded marina-facing balconies to enhance guests' privacy, whilst on the west elevation the shutters can be folded back to open rooms out to large balconies and views of the sea.
The openness and grandeur of the Piazza creates an arrival at the heart of a new social hub on the waterfront. Ancient olive trees and a reflective pool frame the hotel’s main entrance and the views of the sea, whilst the piazza operates as the hotel’s urban frontage, a vibrant public destination.
Architects: Divercity
Nikolas Travasaros, Christina Achtypi, Daniel Silva, Yun Wan, Kirsty Williams
Landscape Architects: Scape Design Associates
Interior Designers: Carole Topin
Leed Consultants: XCO2 Energy
Carbon Profiling: Sturgis Carbon Profiling (SCP)
