What elements of continuity with the surrounding landscape do we find in it?

The hotel is located a short distance from the sea, offering a wide view of the entire Amalfi coast and of the area of Sorrento in particular. For the very structure of the landscape there is a direct contact between the green hills, the cliff and the sea: a fascinating triangulation. These elements certainly inspired the project and were brought back inside it through the use of a palette between the colours of the sea and the sand. A feature to emphasize is the fact that the sea can be appreciated not only by the windows overlooking the gulf but also, unexpectedly, in the interior spaces. We have in fact commissioned a wallpaper characterized by a shade of blue that detaches from the sea to align with the horizon of the sky, so as to bring the sea inside. The view runs along this line that connects the Gulf of Sorrento, the “paper sea” and the Mediterranean garden of lemons and orange trees behind the structure. Even plants are an integral part of the project as they balance the elements of the sea with those of the land, so rich in these areas.

If you had to choose three adjectives to define the project, what would they be? 

This is a project whose elegance derives from the choice of materials and from classic references revised with a contemporary cut. Then, it is a welcoming project both from the formal perspective and from the point of view of the operativity of the hotel and the style of its management. Indeed, many luxury facilities have a pleasant and refined architecture and a cold service in the relationship with the customer. On the contrary, Hotel Mediterraneo has a typically Neapolitan warmth, which we have translated into the terms of a comfortable architecture, with numerous references to the residential world. In fact, the structure itself was initially a residence, which has become a hotel over the years. Finally, I would say “timeless”, as there has always been the idea of inserting new elements that are complementary to the existing ones. There has never been the need to erase a past, but always the desire to add, almost on tiptoe, new levels and details so that the glorious past of a time could continue in future times. Thus, elegant, cozy and timeless are the adjectives that best describe this project. 

Shapes, colours and materials are three essential aspects of every design project. What choices were made for each of them?

The shape was inspired by the existing structure, with a particular look at the arches. We introduced several soft elements that complemented the architecture of the residence, with the choice, for example, of a curved sofa and a bar counter in natural brass with rounded corners. The result is a contrast effect with the more linear elements, so as to make the project interesting and not banal. Therefore, if the bar counter has soft shapes, the back has a wine cellar with more regular shapes and clearer lines. 

From the point of view of colors we were inspired by the world of the sea, while as for the materials and textures, we tried to find unexpected interpretations. For example, the bar stools have a printed skin that resembles the fish scales. Then, with regard to the tables, also the choice of a ceramic material with a light silver hue recalls the chromatic iridescence of the aquatic creatures. Oltremare Lounge Bar is, literally, a dive into the sea.