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The project originates from the intention to mark the achievement of the hotel’s fifth star through a clear architectural gesture. The concept is grounded in a critical reading of the existing building, shaped by successive interventions during the 1980s and 1990s. Rather than imposing a contrasting language, the new façade establishes a coherent dialogue with the pre-existing structure, reinterpreting its elements—such as the curved balconies—through a system of alternating concave and convex geometries. This architectural device generates intermediate green spaces that mediate between interior and exterior, enhancing both spatial quality and urban presence.
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The project establishes a refined relationship with its surrounding urban context by acting as a mediator between the interior of the building and the external environment. The new façade, with its alternating concave and convex forms, enhances the dialogue between the hotel and the urban fabric, while its green spaces contribute to the broader landscape. By integrating planters and climbing vegetation, the façade filters the view of the busy street and canal, offering privacy and a sense of enclosure, while simultaneously improving the overall aesthetic quality of the area. This thoughtful interaction enriches both the architectural experience and the public space.
Sustainability and eco-compatibility are key aspects of the project. Green spaces, designed with the collaboration of the internationally renowned UK landscape design studio Gillespies, integrate planters and climbing vegetation, enhancing both the building’s aesthetic and urban biodiversity. An optimized irrigation system, using rainwater harvesting, further supports sustainable water management. The use of prefabricated steel elements reduces waste and construction time. The selected materials, such as satin-finished stainless steel, are durable and low-maintenance. While no formal certifications have been received, these strategies align with contemporary eco-friendly design principles.
The design for the Hotel Savoy’s new façade celebrates the hotel’s fifth star while responding to both aesthetic and functional needs. The project builds upon the existing building, originally renovated in the 1980s, transforming elements such as the curved steel balconies into generative features for a new design. The façade’s alternating concave and convex forms create a dynamic visual effect, reinterpreting the building’s identity and enhancing the relationship between interior and exterior spaces.
A key strength of the project is its ability to mediate between the hotel’s interior and its urban surroundings. The new façade acts as a filter, providing protection from noise and traffic while preserving views of the canal. Integrated green spaces with planters and climbing vegetation not only offer privacy but also contribute to the urban landscape. This green element is further supported by an efficient irrigation system that collects rainwater, promoting sustainability.
The use of durable, low-maintenance materials such as satin-finished stainless steel and turquoise-colored vertical elements ensures the façade’s long-term resilience. Prefabricated steel elements allow for faster construction and reduced waste. The project stands out for its integration of functionality, visual appeal, and environmental sensitivity, offering a refreshing urban experience while elevating the architectural identity of the hotel.
"With this new façade, we wanted to celebrate the Hotel Savoy’s rich history while embracing a modern architectural identity. Our goal was to create a space that not only elevates the guest experience but also integrates harmoniously with the surrounding urban fabric. The design reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and respect for the city’s unique character." - the Soyer family
Plasma Studio was founded in 1999 in London by Eva Castro and Holger Kehne, later joined by Ulla Hell in Sexten, Italy. In 2010, a new office in Beijing marked the studio’s expansion into Asia, followed by a network of locations across South Tyrol, Vienna, Berlin, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Conceived as a design practice with a global outlook, Plasma engages across multiple scales, from installations to master planning. The partners are active in academia, teaching at institutions such as SUTD, HKU, Innsbruck, and Tsinghua University. From its distributed offices, the studio mediates between global flows and local specificity, integrating landscape, urban, and material dimensions. Plasma approaches architecture as a means to engage with context, producing layered environments defined by interwoven elements and blurred spatial boundaries, where architecture becomes a catalyst for specificity, identity, and transformative participation.
