249 Design Hotel: A Fusion of Heritage and Modernity

Alberto Torres Blends Contemporary with Vernacular in Brazilian Hospitality

The picturesque city of Gramado, known for its European flair in the Brazilian landscape, serves as the canvas for Alberto Torres's latest architectural masterpiece, the 249 Design Hotel. Drawing inspiration from the region's German vernacular architecture, Torres has skillfully married the existing cultural fabric with modern design principles. This retrofit project is a testament to the harmonious blend of materiality and respect for local characteristics, creating a new landmark that is both familiar and fresh to the city's residents and visitors alike.

Distinctive in its approach, the 249 Design Hotel stands out with its integration of contemporary architecture into the vernacular context of Gramado. The use of materials such as wood and stone, prevalent in the local architecture, alongside steel, introduces a dialogue between the old and the new. The external black steel frames and large glass panels of the hotel lobby mark the central access point, while the internal spaces echo the external materiality, fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

The technical realization of the hotel is a narrative of innovation and adaptation. The choice of steel as the primary structural element, despite its rarity in the region, was driven by the need for construction agility. The external stone coverings and wooden panels not only pay homage to Gramado's architectural heritage but also imbue the spaces with warmth and comfort, enhancing the guest experience. The hotel's interior, particularly the foyer's fireplace, is a grand stone volume that juxtaposes the steel beams and wooden panels, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests.

With an expansion from 318m² to 1106m² and an increase from 10 to 31 suites, the 249 Design Hotel has transformed the old inn into a contemporary hospitality space without losing sight of Gramado's German colonial architectural identity. The retrofit project has been executed with precision, ensuring that the new additions complement the existing structure in a respectful and aesthetically pleasing manner. The hotel's design is a narrative of connecting historical points through the use of universal and pure materials.

The operational design of the hotel is marked by three distinct blocks, each serving a unique function while maintaining visual and material cohesion. The left block houses guest common areas, the central block features a triple-height glass and steel frame marking the foyer, and the right block, with its steel beams and wooden brises, contains the new suites. The interplay of these elements creates a dynamic yet unified architectural expression that is both functional and visually striking.

Located in the tourist haven of Gramado, the 249 Design Hotel project has reached completion, standing as a symbol of thoughtful architectural retrofitting. The design process involved meticulous analysis of the existing structure, local character, and environmental considerations, leading to a design that is both aesthetically pleasing and operationally sound. The project's success is a result of overcoming challenges such as integrating client needs, complying with local regulations, and working with the pre-existing building in a way that maximizes the site's potential.

The 249 Design Hotel, with its respectful nod to German vernacular architecture and commitment to contemporary design, has earned the prestigious Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2024. This accolade recognizes the hotel as a paragon of design excellence, reflecting Alberto Torres's ingenuity and foresight in creating spaces that resonate with both history and modernity.