El Equipo Creativo designs a dining space that rethinks the traditional relationship between chef and guests

The Concept Rooms at Interihotel are collaboratively created concept spaces that serve as a laboratory for ideas about the future of hotels and restaurants. They are exploratory prototypes of new opportunities in the hospitality and restaurant sector.

Interihotel proposed to El Equipo Creativo to reimagine a restaurant space inspired by the CoolRooms Hotels hotel chain, a chain that is characterised by offering authenticity and design with the fusion of history and innovation with a luxury service in unique and emblematic buildings of great historical value, located in different cities throughout Spain. The design had to include two spaces: one for the representation of a dining area and the other for the representation of a bar and drinks area.

A unique and different space

Beyond designing two separate functional spaces, at El Equipo Creativo we wanted to create one that offers a different, unique and conceptual dining experience that goes beyond simply tasting food and drink.

A place where the traditional relationships between diners and staff/staff are rethought. We unified the two requested areas (dining room and bar) generating a composite and versatile piece that, occupying the central space of the proposal, combines different ways of sitting.

The central position of this table invites users to surround it and form groups. The table is a place for meeting, working and socialising, opening the door to new gastronomic experiences.

Connecting with local culture

This idea of gathering, celebration and sharing is a value that we consider to be typical of the local culture of our geography, and which fits perfectly with the values of the CoolRooms Hotels brand, which promotes the connection with the local culture as part of its essence. The different atmospheres occupied by this large table are inspired by the striking palatial buildings of the CoolRooms Hotels chain, in which a hedonistic and relaxed style can be found.

Fusion of the historical and the modern

The hotels of the CoolRooms Hotels brand fuse the original architecture of the buildings with a contemporary design, creating spaces full of charm, personality and their own unique style.

The design of the Concept Restaurant draws on this concept of a fusion of styles both in its envelope and in its interior and content. Classical forms are reflected in the arches, the balustrades of the table legs and the curves of the furniture. These are combined with contemporary textures, creating a dialogue between old and new.

Curtains, mirrors and shades of vermilion red evoke the palatial salons of the 17th and 19th centuries. The pendant lamp, wallpaper and floor design add a contemporary and artistic touch. The colour palette used seeks to create a contrast that suggests the transition between different rooms and times of the day.

Two atmospheres, two moments

The low table area is located in a luminous space that evokes a sun-drenched, daytime atmosphere. The touches of green reinforce the connection with nature, even suggesting an outdoor space. At the other end of the spectrum, the high tables and stools are combined with darker, more intense wine-red tones that transport the user to a cosy, nocturnal atmosphere.

In contrast to the quality of the interior finishes and upholstery, the materiality of the long, cold, metal table evokes a typical kitchen work element, but this time relocated to the centre of a noble room. Once again, we reimagined a different situation where the diner and the chef share the table in a way that generates a unique experience.

Sustainability

Another of the core values of the hotel brand, which fully coincides with the vision of El Equipo Creativo, is sustainability. For this Concept Restaurant we have collaborated closely with several brands, all of them local brands that ensure compliance with high sustainability standards and offer personalised advice within their catalogue.

Why Genius Loci?
Genius Loci is a concept originating in ancient Roman culture that translates as the spirit of place. Over time, the term has evolved and has been incorporated into disciplines such as architecture and interior design, where it is used to describe the atmosphere, unique identity or distinctive character of a place.

Project: Genius Loci.
Customer: Interihotel. 
Inspired by: CoolRooms Hotels.
Design: El Equipo Creativo. Partners: Oliver Franz Schmidt, Natali Canas del Pozo, Lucas Echeveste Lacy.
Project Manager: Ricard Fabregat.
Construction company: 4 everything.
Partner Brands: Pavimento Bolon, Mobiliario Calma Outdoor, Casual Solutions, Papeles pintados Coordonne, Techo Ecocero, Focos Estiluz, Mueble barra Fama Solutions, Cortinas y tapizados Gancedo, Revestimiento barra Innovus, Lámpara suspendida Santa & Cole, Tecnología Zennio.
Text: El Equipo Creativo.

El Equipo Creativo

Founded in 2011 by architects Lucas Echeveste Lacy, Natali Canas del Pozo and Oliver Franz Schmidt, El Equipo Creativo is a renowned Barcelona-based interior architecture and design studio specialising in the design of hospitality, gastronomy and brand spaces. Their philosophy is centred on the idea that spatial design should tell captivating stories and inspire people, always based on a solid conceptual approach.

His portfolio includes collaborations with some of the world’s most prestigious chefs, including Michelin-starred restaurants, consolidating his expertise in the sector. Their work has gained global recognition, with articles in hundreds of publications worldwide. They have received over 70 international design awards, including prestigious awards such as the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, the Frame Awards and the Boy Awards, all of which are known for innovative and conceptual design.

Beyond the recognition of the projects, the studio has also received awards for its track record and methodology. They have been awarded Best Interior Design Firm (Architizer A+Awards), Best Interior Practice of the Year (WIN Awards) and Studio of the Year (The American Architecture Prize). In addition, Frame magazine has recognised them as one of the 20 most influential designers in the world.

Project by El Equipo Creativo