Aethos Ericeira Hotel by Pedra Silva Arquitectos: A Coastal Revival of Heritage and Modernity

Location: Ericeira, Portugal Architects: Pedra Silva Arquitectos Lead Architect: Luís Pedra Silva Area: 40,311 ft² Year of Completion: 2022 Photography: Francisco Nogueira Manufacturers: Technal, Carmo, Epoca, Oscar Ono, Weber

A Coastal Retreat Redefined

Perched on the dramatic cliffs near Calada Beach in Ericeira, Portugal, the Aethos Ericeira Hotel by Pedra Silva Arquitectos transforms a once-disjointed and stylistically confused building into a refined coastal sanctuary. Set against panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, this boutique hotel masterfully balances architectural heritage with a renewed contemporary identity.

Architectural Concept: Between Past and Present

The original structure, comprised of three volumes built across different periods, lacked cohesion and architectural clarity. Pedra Silva Arquitectos approached the refurbishment with a careful analysis of the existing site conditions and local planning regulations. Their strategy was clear: preserve the soul of the building while embracing a bold new architectural language that engages both the site and its surroundings.

The design narrative was anchored in distinguishing historical layers from modern interventions—creating a dialogue between preservation and innovation. Key historical elements such as light-toned facades and sloped tiled roofs were retained in portions of the building to maintain its original character.

Open Interiors and Ocean Views

The ground floor of the western volume was completely reconfigured into open-plan communal areas, including the main entrance, restaurant, bar, and a multipurpose lounge. This reorganization moves away from the previously heavy and segmented spatial arrangement and instead celebrates fluidity, transparency, and visual connections to the Atlantic seascape.

A striking double-height entrance hall welcomes visitors with expansive glazing, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. This spatial gesture not only enhances natural light but also creates a grand, immersive first impression.

Architectural Details: Light, Shadow, and Structure

One of the standout design moves includes the reimagining of the arched facade that faces the sea. Originally heavy and imbalanced, the new arches are carefully proportioned and deepened to create a play of light and shadow while offering protection from direct sunlight. These revisions enhance the spatial rhythm and optimize views, establishing a more sensitive relationship with the horizon.

Traditional small windows were replaced with expansive metal-framed glazing, giving the building a modern, minimalist identity. These frames extend beyond the plane of the facade, introducing a layered visual depth and contributing to the building’s contemporary feel.

Integration of Wellness and Landscape

In the third volume, a partial demolition of the basement created space for a lush garden courtyard, allowing for the addition of guest rooms and a luxurious spa. A compact gym was seamlessly inserted beside the reimagined pool area, which was formerly semi-submerged. The new tiered landscape design harmonizes the elevation changes, offering a more cohesive and open experience for guests.

Balconies were redesigned, and sloped roofs removed from this volume to highlight the building’s geometry. Exterior materials include dark matte metal, light-hued plaster walls, and warm wooden accents, offering a tactile and visual contrast that blends into the coastal context while projecting a distinctly modern expression.

A Harmonious Coastal Experience

Outdoor seating areas are strategically positioned to maximize the site's natural beauty and encourage guest interaction with the surrounding landscape. The redesigned pool terrace flows naturally with the topography, providing an elevated and serene vantage point to take in Ericeira’s dramatic coastline.