Oppenheim Architecture and Studio Arthur Casas have completed a new hotel on Copacabana Beach by using a distinctive façade acting as "a pure lacework" with its white porous panels.

Located on beachfront of Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, the 12-level hotel accommodates 90 units, alongside a gym, a spa, and a sauna. Named Emiliano Hotel, the building is designed to give a mesmerizing view to Copacabana beach with its transparent swimming pool on top of the building. 

The project fronts one of the most beautiful views in the world while being surrounded on 3 sides by dilapidated apartment buildings from the 1950’s. Through simple yet powerful spatial manipulations, the hotel optimizes its beneficial attributes while subverting its negative forces.

The architects are inspired by Rio’s landscape to provide a distinctive façade fronting the hotel. The hotel is differentiated from the neighboring concrete buildings. 

The architects used the weather-proof panels that can be completely opened from bedroom balconies, resulting in an elevation that constantly changes in response to the requirements of each guest. When open, the panels allow natural light to flood the interiors. While closed, the panels ensure privacy without compromising light, ventilation, or views.

"Guests circulate and inhabit the hotel in total privacy, away from the general public. The ground floor includes a bar adjacent to the entrance before visitors are directed in one of two ways. The first route leads to the restaurant and business center," said the architects. 

"The other leads to the hotel’s reception with a private area for guests. The building comprises 90 units across 12 floors, with on-site amenities including a gym, a spa, and a sauna. Both a restaurant and a private library open up to separate courtyards filled with tropical vegetation."

The interiors, designed by Arthur Casas, are inspired by the work of artist and landscaper Roberto Burle Marx – designer of the Copacabana beach promenade. Included are the work of Brazilian masters such as Sergio Rodrigues, as well as contemporary designers like Paola Lenti.

Oppenheim Architecture, running its offices in Miami, New York and Basel, recently completed a Water Purification Plant with natural rock form in Swiss forest. The firm, led by Chad Oppenheim, specializes in hospitality, commercial mixed-use, retail and residential buildings worldwide. 

Project facts

Project type: 115,000 SF Hotel

Scope: Architecture

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Principal in charge: Chad Oppenheim

Project Manager: Kevin Heidorn

Project Contributors: Carl Römer, Alex Lozano 

Co-Design Architect, Architect of Record, Interior Design, Furniture Fixtures & Equipment: Studio Arthur Casas

All images © Fernando Guerra 

> via Oppenheim Architecture