Silver Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2025
Immerso Hotel
- A' Design Award 2025 Silver Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2025
- CLIENT: Silva Dias Arquitectos
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 26,948
- Verification code 42A2509D6C · Verify this award
About Immerso Hotel
Immerso is a hotel complex located in Ericeira, Portugal. The buildings are placed within a valley facing the ocean, following the principles of southern Iberian architecture, with smaller structures scattered on the gentle slopes and larger ones on the hilltops. The complex covers 2000 square metres. Materials are limited to exposed concrete, painted surfaces in mineral-inspired colours, pine wood and painted iron. Spaces for meditation, workshops and sports are included. The design integrates the buildings into the landscape and applies sustainability measures suited to the local climate.
Immerso Hotel by Tiago Silva Dias exemplifies a contemporary approach to hospitality architecture that seeks profound integration between built form and natural landscape, continuing a lineage of site-responsive design that traces through twentieth-century organic modernism while engaging distinctly regional material traditions and climatic considerations. The compositional strategy distributes program across multiple terraced volumes that step down the hillside, respecting existing topographical contours and minimizing visual intrusion upon the broader landscape while maximizing each accommodation's connection to views and natural light. The architect appears to have orchestrated a careful dialogue between the substantial permanence of concrete and stone construction and the ephemeral qualities of light, atmosphere, and seasonal variation, resulting in structures that seem to emerge from rather than impose upon their setting. Technical accomplishment manifests in the precise articulation of horizontal datum lines that unite disparate volumes, the considered proportional relationships between solid wall surfaces and transparent glazing, and the thoughtful integration of circulation pathways that weave between structures and through planted zones. The material palette suggests a commitment to honest expression of construction systems: board-formed concrete retaining its imprint of formwork, local stone coursed in patterns that reference vernacular building traditions, and metal roofing that will weather gracefully over time to further integrate structures with their surroundings. The captured moment of twilight transition, with interior illumination beginning to assert itself against fading natural light, evokes fundamental architectural themes of shelter and sanctuary, the ancient human satisfaction of illuminated dwelling space against approaching darkness. One might contemplate how architecture at its most successful creates not merely functional accommodation but experiential narrative, transforming the simple act of arrival and habitation into meaningful encounter with place, light, and the rhythms of natural time.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The Immerso Hotel complex was designed with a strong focus on its relationship with the surrounding landscape, defined by the valley it sits on and the powerful presence of the ocean.The intervention, planned with modernity in mind while still respecting the spirit of the location, aims to harmonize natural values with architecture through the contextualization and integration of the structures into the site, incorporating principles of environmental sustainability tailored to the local climate
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 2000m2
- Tags
- Architecture, Sustainability, Hospitality, Portugal, Hotel
- Production Technology
- The colours and textures used in the design draw inspiration from the natural context and contemporary elements, employing a restricted range of materials such as exposed concrete, painted surfaces with mineral-inspired colours, pine wood, and painted iron.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest part of this design activity was balancing modern architectural principles with the cultural and natural context of Ericeira. Internally, it required respecting the historical and social fabric of the area, rooted in southern Iberian traditions. Externally, challenges included adhering to strict environmental regulations, sourcing sustainable materials locally, and integrating advanced construction techniques within a sensitive landscape. Ericeira is a region where interventions must be approached with great delicacy, adding complexity to the project. Beyond these basic challenges, it was also essential to harmonize the architectural vision with the functional requirements of the structures, ensuring they met aesthetic, structural, and environmental standards. Overcoming these obstacles demanded collaboration, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to innovation.
- Project Duration
- The project started in 2016 and was completed in 2022 in Ericeira, Portugal.
- Operation Flow
- Immerso Hotel is a high-end tourism venture focused on sustainability, innovation, and well-being. Intended for those seeking a refuge from the city, it offers a variety of activities that allow just that, such as cooking workshops, gardening practices, sports, and leisure, creating a space for relaxation and connection.
Offering distinctive experiences, Immerso hotel is deeply connected to the region's natural beauty, celebrating the rich cultural and historical heritage. The hotel features meditation and relaxation spaces, seamlessly blending luxury with sustainability for a truly unique stay.
It is a destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Portugal's landscape, the warmth of its people, and the vibrancy of its culture. - Research
- This project is the product of research into how architecture can blend seamlessly with natural landscapes. The goal was to create a design that respects the local environment and cultural heritage while embracing modernity. Inspired by southern Iberian architectural principles, the project focused on harmonizing the built environment with the site’s natural features, such as its valley setting and proximity to the ocean.
To achieve this, a careful study of the local context was conducted with input from various stakeholders to guide design decisions and ensure a holistic and respectful approach.
The results demonstrated that the thoughtful selection of materials—such as exposed concrete, pine wood, and mineral-inspired finishes—enabled the design to integrate with the landscape while promoting sustainability.
The project highlights how architecture can enhance user experiences, support eco-tourism, and preserve cultural identity. Beyond aesthetics, it demonstrates how thoughtful design can balance environmental responsibility with functionality, setting an example for future sustainable developments. - Inspiration
- The conceptual design of the complex embraces the principles of the southern Iberian architecture, with scattered smaller construction on the gentle slopes and prominent buildings on the hilltops.
Colors of Immerso Hotel
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