Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea

By Editorial Staff - 1 April 2025
Marazzi, QU have participated in the project

Overlooking the Ligurian Sea and surrounded by lush vegetation, Genoa’s Capitolo Riviera Hotel offers guests an oasis of relaxation in the mild local climate. The unusual atmosphere of this five-star resort, located in the Nervi district, stems from a hybrid indoor-outdoor design approach. It is a “park with a hotel”, distinguished by an intimate connection between nature and the built environment, and whose interiors engage with the surrounding gardens.

Led by Parisotto + Formenton Architetti, this project that transformed the former Hotel Astor into the current Capitolo Riviera involved the restoration of the existing structure and its expansion with a new building. The project centers on a deep respect for the natural and local context, and on preserving and enhancing the features of the existing architecture, beginning with the conservation of the original materials, including exposed concrete and the typical Finale stone.

Brutalismo sulle rive del Mar Ligure | © Alberto Strada, courtesy Parisotto + Formenton Archietti La palette cromatica tenue e un lungo tavolo circondato da sedie creano un ambiente accogliente e multifunzionale, anche nell'area reception.

The architecture is wide open to both the sea breeze and surrounding parkland, creating a seamless connection between the spaces. At ground level, the large open space that houses the lobby and bar opens to the outside, offering unique views of the greenery through both extensive glazing and sightlines between the reception and swimming pool. This space is distinguished by a meeting of horizontal surfaces, such as the jointless resin flooring interspersed by local tiles, and vertical elements, such as exposed concrete pillars. On the ceiling, Douglas fir slats are interrupted by a lightweight concrete strip of vertical slats positioned above the concrete floor to guide the eye towards the garden.

The project’s esthetic language is expressed through its furnishings, with iconic, understated yet elegant Italian designs from the 1970s onwards, and unique custom pieces realized on the architects’ designs. The restaurant dining rooms evoke a certain tropical brutalism, with living plants forming distinctive elements both inside and out, accentuated by the local cement floor tiles and the characteristic white cane ceiling. Extensive glazing promotes visual continuity with the gardens and creates a strong connection between the dining rooms and planted terraces, bringing nature inside.

Brutalismo sulle rive del Mar Ligure | © Alberto Strada, courtesy Parisotto + Formenton Archietti Il solarium, con il suo pavimento in legno, invita al relax in un’area protetta e confortevole a bordo piscina.

The 37 rooms and suites feature large windows as well as rejuvenating neutral and warm tones, highlighted by red accents of Douglas fir and the colors of the upholstered furniture, carpets, and wall tapestries with designs created exclusively for the hotel. Timber brise-soleils create a subtle permeability with the lush Ligurian landscape, offering glimpses of the sea on the horizon. Each room has a balcony or terrace, offering guests a chance to admire the garden and seascape as part of a relaxing outdoor experience.

The renovation also included the addition of extensive wellness and leisure spaces, including a spa and an event space. An outdoor pool lets guests relax and cool off on hot days, while a timber sundeck makes the space even more inviting. The gym, completely lined with timber, opens onto a courtyard, which in turn leads to the garden.

Brutalismo sulle rive del Mar Ligure | © Alberto Strada, courtesy Parisotto + Formenton Archietti Le camere si distinguono per le loro tonalità neutre e calde, con accenti di rosso dei legni Douglas. Gli arazzi decorano le pareti con disegni esclusivi, appositamente realizzati per il resort.

The garden, the jewel in the hotel’s crown, has been largely preserved and enhanced with new planting of species suited to the local climate. Its highlight is a majestic camphor tree surrounded by a wooden deck, intended to provide a space for both quiet times and socializing. Walkways and stairways at different heights lead from here to various points around the hotel. Trails through the greenery let guests explore the garden, while also leading to the parking lot and event space. An essential and independent building in the garden, the event facility has its own terrace.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | The resort’s exterior merges harmoniously with the lush greenery of its surroundings, making it a true jewel of the Ligurian Eastern Riviera, where Mediterranean scrubland meets the blue of the sea.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | The interplay between exposed concrete beams and columns gives character to the space Meanwhile, the cement-tile floor and slatted ceiling direct the eye toward the garden.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | In the lobby, the contrast between the green of the sofa and the exposed concrete creates a striking effect. A vertical sculpture adds an additional touch of elegance to the space.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | A muted color palette and a long table encircled by chairs create a warm, multifunctional environment also in the reception area.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | In the lobby, a dedicated conversation nook encourages guests to unwind and interact, while extensive glazing establishes a constant visual connection with the outdoors, enhancing comfort levels.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | In the restaurant, indoor plants complement the greenery outside. The ceiling and cement-tiled floor evoke a sense of tropical brutalism, radiating a joyful, vibrant energy.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | The spa offers guests an opportunity to relax and admire the outdoor pool through a large window overlooking the garden.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | The timber sundeck invites guests to relax in the shaded, comfortable poolside area.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | A timber terrace shaded by a magnificent camphor tree invites social interaction. Meandering stairways at different heights wrap around the hotel, creating pathways through the surrounding garden.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | For this project, the studio selected Vimar’s Eikon Exé residential range with Vintage control. The product combines premium materials with clean lines to create a retro esthetic. With sophisticated styling and an elegant color palette, this cover plate integrates seamlessly into every space.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | The guestrooms feature warm, neutral tones accented with hints of red from Douglas fir. Specifically crafted for the resort, tapestries adorn the walls, giving each room a unique dimension.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | The showers in the resort’s guestrooms are finished with artisan-inspired wall tiles from Marazzi’s Crogiolo Lume collection. In its 6×24 cm format, the product reinterprets the beauty of hand-painted ceramics, adding both depth and dynamism to the surfaces. The glossy finish of the porcelain stoneware creates an interplay of light throughout the space, embodying a perfect fusion of craftsmanship and industrial technology.

Brutalism on the shores of the Ligurian Sea | © Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti | The hotel’s lighting elements was the work of QU, which also created, together with Parisotto + Formenton Architetti, the Duolì table lamp specifically for the project. The inspiration for this designer piece was the iconic conical hats worn across Asia, translating their functional simplicity into an essential, timeless form. With its slender stem and soft glow, the Duolì lamp enhances any space, making it ideal for reading, working, or creating an intimate, welcoming atmosphere.

Location: Nervi, Genoa, Italy
Completion: 2024
Gross Floor Area: 3,563 m²
Client: Agras Investment
Architect and Interior Designer: Parisotto + Formenton Architetti
Main Contractor: Delucchi Costruzioni
Landscape Design: Giuseppe Errera

Consultants
Construction Project Management: Maria Lucia Deri
Structural: Claudio Gallo
Acoustics: Giulio Chiarlo
Systems Engineering: Studio Forlani Tech

Photography: Alberto Strada, courtesy of Parisotto + Formenton Archietti

You might also like:

Interior Design & Contract 10

THE PLAN Interior Design & Contract 10 is the ninth supplement that THE PLAN has dedicated to the world of interior architecture. The publication, out in April 2025 as a supplement to THE PLAN 161, looks at around twenty of the most important intern... Read More