We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer about their original and creative design work. is an award-winning creative designer, that makes our world a better place with their original works.
("") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work . Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
: The solution intended to be very simple and in some spaces, highly introverted, retaining the existing structures and introducing the new areas in the floors below the main entrance. At the same time, topics related to sustainability, natural light and local vernacular architecture also arised in all the project phases.
: The project was developed to the smallest detail, integrating interior and exterior space, using efficiently the natural light, the inner patios and the design of several decoration items that might range from furniture, lighting or even the hotel sign system. All these small steps gave the final visual tone intended since the very beginning of the project.
: Being a renewal and extension, parts of the building were not interveined by us. The existing room wings (corridors and rooms), the suites and the external swimming pool are still part of the original hotel. Maybe with this award and international attention the client will want to go further and start a new phase in the future.
: It was a long way! It started in 2009 and ended in 2014. Uncountable hours of work, lots of kilometers between our studio and the site, and even better two beautiful kids in the middle. This award made all this worthwhile!
: It was a second comission from the same client. The first one was to construct a new spa in the basement of the existing hotel. Despite fo the fact we always mentioned this space as very difficult to have a good standard spa, the entering of a new hotel director changed everything. He was the one that intended to have an added value to the new project, and from there, everything evolved to a sencond comission, one a bigger scale and new area.
: Our studio is always seeking new opportunities on different areas of work. Our practice constantly works on different contexts, scales and architecture briefs.
: This work was a big challenge for us, where we've invested all our time and strength. More was needed?
: The modern architecture of Portugal, mainly the one rooted in the 50's and 60's very close from what was being doing in the northern coutries (mainly Sweden and Denmark), where always on the back of our minds.
: National and international travellers.
: The hotel original name was "Hotel Turismo do Minho". It was our idea to shorcut the new name into "Hotel Minho", mainly because is more efficient, smaller and that stands out was the flag of the Minho region (north of Portugal).
: The warmness of the spaces, the craftsmanship of several details, the fact that even the ones that know the hotel from the media and the web, still get surprised by the quality of the work.
: R2 Design where responsible by the communication design of the hotel and the sign system. Our close work is a strong part of the project. Other companies where also part of the project, mainly the engineering team - Termoprojecto.
: Not to be present... all very tradition, almost wanting to be old fashioned!
: The construction was very difficult with countless conflicts with the contractor. It was a mess!
: We, as a very young studio, were fortunate to be sponsored by our client, otherwise it would be impossible. Even in that they were the smart ones!
: Five years of intense work in this project, two new babies in the middle, an award two show to our families, clients and friends, as you my imagine I could write a book with all this new information!
: The personal side of the equation is a great story to be listened! More than architecture and the great result of the project, this project was life changer!
