Laguna Faro Suites, an expression of the nautical theme

The lagoon and the sailing world are the fil rouge of the project. In a place, in which the balanced relationship between humans and nature is so important and sensitive, for the project we have been inspired by the lagoon, with the intent of acknowledging all small details of beauty within the local natural environment. Laguna Faro Suites, finding itself in an in-between space made by the land and the lagoon, aims to create a meaningful addition to the local setting. To achieve that, also considering the site boundaries (a trapezoidal shape) and the overall positioning, the Archest designers opted for a tapered building with a slight volumetric twist. Each floor is reduced compared to the previous one, to limit the volumetric impact and refer to a pleasant dynamism and a different refraction of light given also by the inclination of the parapets. The building, which consists of five levels above ground and a basement floor used as a garage, has a reinforced concrete structure and masonry in brick blocks with external insulation and siloxane coating. In order to highlight the depth of the building and to bring out the terraces contrasting colours were chosen. The surrounding lagoon merges and reflects on the building facade thanks to the mix of opaque monochromatic surfaces and glass rails, creating magical light effects and textures during the day. Furthermore, the extensive use of glass rails and windows helps to reduce the overall visual footprint and allows guests to enjoy a wide and unfazed panorama. The parapets are entirely made of prefabricated elements with a trapezoidal shape and glass with concealed fixing; the windows, with sliding openings, have aluminium profiles. The greenery in the gardens and terraces serves as a mitigation element, giving the effect of a "vegetal border" on the mezzanine floor and then alternating between the terraces with a vertical trend. Among the plants only low-growing indigenous shrubs were chosen so as not to hide the views. The new building, a dependence of the nearby Laguna Palace Hotel, houses 34 suites, a small SPA, an area for breakfast and relaxation, and a panoramic solarium with a sky bar and a swimming pool on the roof. The conformation of the land lot and the tapering of the different levels determine the uniqueness of the plan of each suite: all rooms enjoy excellent natural lighting and big windows with panoramic views, creating different nuances by reflecting on the materials during the various moments of the day. Studio Urquiola project of interior design. In addition to the natural local elements, Studio Urquiola wanted to also conceive the human gesture. Over time, women and men have indeed adapted their habits to the environment surrounding them. In the project, there is a strong reminder of the use of ropes, straw, canes and wood that have guided the project – all elements employed to build the traditional Casoni that once housed the lagoon’s fishermen. This is visible as soon as the guest crosses the entrance threshold, noticing the Venetian floor with fluid lines covering the common areas. Its patterns recall the shades of the sand washed by the waves of the sea and lit up in pink by the morning sun. On the walls, the sinuous shapes of the wooden panelling resemble the irregular vertical scans of the walls and roofs of thatched houses. Elements of the nautical world such as ropes and nets are echoed in the furnishings, in the contrasting decoration of the ceramic tiles and in the design of the bookcase that divides the lounge area from the breakfast area. The lagoon is also interpreted through custom made tableaus, depicting it through evocative graphics in Cimento, a particular thin cement in soft nuances. At Laguna Faro Suites, rooms and suites have many elements in common, but of course, the latter have larger spaces with a living area communicating with the bedroom. The interiors express the natural colours of Grado lagoon: a soft minty green for curtains and furnishings - reminding of the surrounding vegetation - a brick red for some finishings and some details such as the pouffes. Bathrooms are essential and feature a gentle touch of soft pink on the tiles. Everything is very mild. Like in all other spaces of the hotel, rooms are designed to give a feeling of lightness, domesticity, and a residential mood. The nautical theme is expressed through the use of wood on the floor – with long-shaped ‘slices’ like the ones of boats – and through very special night tables, two wooden poles reminding of a boat’s main mast with tabletops inserted. The detail of the ribbed brass-coated wood is visible when sitting at the desk and recreates pleasant effects when the light comes in at sunset. The furniture is a savvy mix of custom pieces – the bed, the night tables, the desk as well as the vanity corner and the mirror inside the bathroom – together with contemporary pieces I designed for Kartell, Moroso, Verywood and Agape collections. The wardrobe also expresses the mild nuances of the pink pattern of Grado, designed for Alpi. The rooms have large balconies, that can be enjoyed thanks to sunbeds and sofas, recreating a private outdoor living room for the guests. The natural materials consist mainly of wood, which runs through the rooms’ floor as well as on the wall behind the reception and along the bar counter. All rugs are handmade out of wool by GAN craftsmen, while the bed’s headboard and divan are upholstered with a fibre made up of 100% recycled PET.