Porto, Portugal
The River Soul Hotel project, developed in 2021, is located in Vila Nova de Gaia, next to the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, in an area strongly connected to the Douro River and the region’s wine tradition. Its proximity to the Port wine cellars and the iconic wooden barrels served as conceptual inspiration for the development of the standard room. The aim was to reinterpret the image of the barrels through a contemporary and refined language, highlighting wood and its black contours as structuring elements of the space. Inside, light wood panels are rhythmically defined by black lines that shape the vertical planes, subtly evoking the metal hoops of the barrels. This composition adds depth and character to the environment without compromising formal restraint. Indirect lighting, integrated into coves and upper planes, enhances the materiality of the wood and creates a warm, elegant, and intimate atmosphere.
The neutral colour palette — defined by warm tones, natural fabrics, and light surfaces — enhances the sense of comfort and spaciousness. The use of materials such as cork and woven textiles establishes a direct connection to the region’s arts and crafts, reinterpreted through a contemporary approach. The relationship with the exterior is also emphasised through the opening onto the stone surroundings, reinforcing the dialogue between the interior and its historical context. River Soul Hotel thus stands as a project that combines tradition and modernity, transforming local references into an environment of understated luxury, contemporary comfort, and a strong sense of place.
