Savoy Saccharum Resort & Spa / RH+ Arquitectos

Curated by Pedro Vada

Architects: RH+ Arquitectos
Area: 11610 m²
Year: 2015
Photographs:Duarte Andrade, Nick Baytun, Siet Savoy
Manufacturers: Technal, Bindopor, CIFIAL, Cerâmica Vale da Gândara, Italbox, Levantina, Starpool, Widinglass

Text description provided by the architects. The project is determined by the commitment to the place. The architectural object is located in the escarpment overlooking the sea and assumes its aesthetics, a situation that has proven to be a technical challenge with a great landscape importance. Due to its location and its rustic surrounding, the hotel’s body has an irregular configuration inspired by the traditional terraces of Madeira.

Like these terraces – that reshape the irregularity of the territory throughout the definition of platforms meant for farming, whose construction is possible by stone walls – conceptually the Hotel intends to mimic these structures in the way its floors are arranged and connected to each other, seeking to dilute its presence by becoming part of the mountain itself. This concept comes to life with the definition of a deconstructed volume built in concrete slabs, which sometimes approaches and other times distance themselves from the rock formations, redefining the topography of the place.

Savoy Saccharum Resort & Spa / RH+ Arquitectos - Image 7 of 44 — © Duarte Andrade

By including as many plants as possible, not only in the roof but also in the balconies, another important part of the hotel’s image is defined, resembling once more the typical terraces that take part in the landscape of the island. The five-star hotel has 181 rooms, has a Gross floor area of 11 610m2 from which 6720.00m2 are green spaces. The interior design is based on the ‘boutique hotel’ concept, with wide open spaces and clear views of the sea, seeking to create a sophisticated space with a close connection with the natural elements and based on the sea/mountain dichotomy.

To complement the accommodation the building also comprises two outdoor swimming pools, two indoor pools, a spa, and fitness club, two restaurants, a panoramic bar, a room reserved for events and two auditoriums. There is also an extra space – a museum -, whose collection is dedicated to saccharine production tradition, which gives the motto to the hotel.