The Hotel
The Hotel
Casa das Penhas Douradas, once a ruin of an old hotel-sanatorium built at the end of the 19th century, is today much more than a hotel: it is a magical place, where the contrast between the rugged landscape and the subtlety of the space's details becomes an experience.
The architecture, designed by architect Pedro Brígida, and the interiors, conceived by the owners, function as a true showcase of mountain culture: textiles, materials, colors, objects, and even the way the space is experienced. There is a very strong coherence between the concept of "mountain expedition," hospitality, and visual language: maximum comfort, simplicity, robustness, and a deep connection to tradition.
Inspired by local materials and knowledge, the hotel was remodeled using cork, birch wood, and burel (a type of wool fabric), which introduces touches of color over simple and clean lines. The birch wood on the walls and ceilings creates a warm and luminous cocoon-like feeling. The decor is a blend of Nordic and Portuguese design: Scandinavian-style chairs and sofas coexist with contemporary national pieces. The forms are clean and ergonomic, prioritizing visual and physical comfort without ever becoming overly decorative. The furniture, often loose and lightweight, allows for reorganizing the space and reinforces the idea of an inhabited refuge, rather than an impersonal hotel.