nicolas&nicolas designs salmon pink boutique hotel in the heart of quito, ecuador

design studio nicolas&nicolas introduce the ‘republica rosa’ hotel situated in the historic center of quito, ecuador. responding to the client’s request, the design generates a distinct salmon pink structure that preserves elements of the regional architecture, but still stands out due to its unique appearance and identity. 

all images by JAG studio

the design by nicolas&nicolas restores some original elements of the pre-existing building (adobe walls, tile roofs, and wooden floors) while adding other new pieces (coatings and flooring) and reinterpreting others, such as its distinctive and unusual internal façade that overlooks the central courtyard. throughout its history and several transformations, several layers of paint, dirt, and stucco had been accumulated on the walls. when the interior restoration began, all these different textures and colors came to light. among them, a salmon pink tone that was selected as the main color of the new identity.

the building features an internal central courtyard, a typical design element of local period architecture, which was restored and re-organized to serve as a common social area for all 11 rooms. the new mosaic installed on the floor gives a modern and fresh touch to the interior. the walls that surround the courtyard were covered with plasterboard to accommodate all the new installations without affecting the bearing adobe walls which were also restored to create exposed details of the original material of the house. the rest of the walls and ceilings were painted dark gray to create an opaque environment that contrasts the internal salmon-colored facade.

respond to the current needs of hotels, the rooms were re-designed to be flexible and able to adapt according to demand. the relatively confined spaces of the pre-existing architecture resulted in the creation of custom-designed furniture, manufactured by local artisans, which transform a single into a double room in a few minutes. the original wooden floors and adobe walls were restored but also a new lighting design was implemented that creates a cozy atmosphere.

project info:

name: republica rosa
design studio: nicolas&nicolas
location: quito – ecuador

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom