Stepping into a tropical jungle

In a marriage of architecture and Latin America culture, El Equipo Creativo has breathed life into the Sonora Cocktail Bar and Selva Restaurant. Both on the 24^th floor of the nhow Hotel in Amsterdam, designed by Rem Koolhaas’ OMA studio, these two separate spaces embody a new interpretation of the relationship between inside and outside, between the artificial and natural.

Perched on the top floor, the Sonora Cocktail Bar offers a unique and immersive experience, transporting guests to the exotic moods of Latin American jungles. From the outset, the key challenge facing the designers was to make the counter the fulcrum of the space, initiating a dialogue between it and the 360-degree panoramic views offered by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the outskirts of Amsterdam.

The organically shaped counter features a golden finish that extends upwards to a canopy structure with recessed lighting. Inspired by pre-Columbian gold figures and the legend of El Dorado, this element is both functional and takes center stage visually in the space. Vegetation hanging from the ceiling and a selection of tropical plants provide a counterpoint to the light color of the flooring, which has a decorative pattern that evokes rippling water, creating the atmosphere of a secret forest. With organic shapes and vibrant colors inspired by poisonous fruits and wild animals, the furniture completes the scene, transporting guests to a parallel world through a cocktail of architecture, design, and nature.

On the same floor is the Selva Restaurant. Here, El Equipo Creativo has transformed a cold, commercial space into a warm and welcoming environment. The restaurant’s design focuses on natural elements, with the pattern of the flooring reminiscent of the organic natural shapes of wildlife, armchairs and stools in shades from red to yellow inspired by the colors of tropical birds and flowers, and potted plants of different sizes.

Curving timber benches with padded seats meander through the dining room, creating a visual contrast with the rigid lines of the building itself while tracing paths that invite diners to explore the space. A curving wooden element hangs from the ceiling, reminiscent of a flowing river, while spherical lamps set with branches and leaves add depth to the space. The reflective finishes and materials used, including glass, metal, and ceramic, suggest water in their interplay with the natural light filtered through the wicker, wood, and rope panels that screen part of the façade.

The centerpiece of the restaurant is its long counter, which curves its way across the entire room, energizing the space with the lively activity of the open kitchen and bar. Covered in green tiles and with a nod to the patterns of traditional fabrics, the counter is another tribute to the culture of Latin America and permeates the entire customer experience.

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Sonora Cocktail Bar and Selva Restaurant | © Adrià Goula, courtesy of El Equipo Creativo

The Selva Restaurant features timber benches with upholstered seats in warm shades of red and yellow that wrap around the tables. A curving ceiling element composed of timber slats extends across the restaurant, infusing the space with a pronounced dynamism.

Sonora Cocktail Bar and Selva Restaurant | © Adrià Goula, courtesy of El Equipo Creativo

With a timber counter top and the front finished in different shades of ceramic tile, the bar seamlessly integrates with the bold colors of the stools to create a vibrant, richly colorful atmosphere.

Sonora Cocktail Bar and Selva Restaurant | © Adrià Goula, courtesy of El Equipo Creativo

Sonora Cocktail Bar and Selva Restaurant | © Adrià Goula, courtesy of El Equipo Creativo

Sonora Cocktail Bar and Selva Restaurant | © Adrià Goula, courtesy of El Equipo Creativo

In the dining room, a mottled white and dark green floor, reminiscent of the organic natural shapes of wildlife, sets the scene. Cascading plants with splashes of orange and yellow complement the shades of the armchairs’ fabric upholstery.

Sonora Cocktail Bar and Selva Restaurant | © Adrià Goula, courtesy of El Equipo Creativo

Sonora Cocktail Bar and Selva Restaurant | © Adrià Goula, courtesy of El Equipo Creativo

In warm, elegant tones spanning yellow to red, upholstered seating both complements and envelopes the tables, with their stunning views over Amsterdam.

Sonora Cocktail Bar and Selva Restaurant | © Adrià Goula, courtesy of El Equipo Creativo

Immediately capturing visitors’ attention, the space is defined by the large angled bar beneath an organically shaped golden structure inspired by pre-Columbian figures and the legend of El Dorado.

Sonora Cocktail Bar and Selva Restaurant | © Adrià Goula, courtesy of El Equipo Creativo

Armchairs with exotic patterns, orange upholstered stools, compact pearl-gray sofas, and tropical plants bring a jungle-like atmosphere to the Sonora Cocktail Bar. The dark tones of the exposed building services create striking contrasts with the surrounding elements.

Sonora Cocktail Bar and Selva Restaurant | © Adrià Goula, courtesy of El Equipo Creativo

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