design et al are delighted to announce shortlist success for Seifert Murphy in the International Hotel & Property Awards 2015. El Mangroove, Costa Rica, will compete for the Hotel 50-200 Rooms Award (Americas & Caribbean) in the fifth annual awards. Seifert Murphy worked closely with Architect Ronald Zurcher to develop a seamless interior and exterior architectural design.
Located in Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, the El Mangroove Hotel is situated by the mangroves of this site. With a beach forest setting as its back drop, Seifert Murphy led their design with inspiration for a small boutique resort property that resembles their young, urban, and hip guests.
Taking on designs for both the guestrooms and the public areas meant one cohesive appeal for this hotel. The client wanted the Guestrooms to suggest a loft concept which turned Seifert Murphy to an urban surf mentality, keeping the rooms as open air as possible. Warm and clean but not rustic, they took on a comfort with layered furnishing and relaxed aesthetics. Soft fabrics compliment the natural wood pieces and sculptural shark tooth art.
Across the lake are the public areas, which stand alone as their timeless architecture caters to a simple luxury. Designed with the charisma of the urban personality reflected from the Guestrooms, this space encompasses the Main Lobby and Concierge, the 3 Meal Restaurant and Bar Lounge, the unique guest centered Spa, the pool area equipped with cabanas and the Beach Restaurant that leads straight to the shore line.
Each space conveys the urban surf qualities through simple constructed furniture, fun patterns, casual light fixtures and lively art. The open air spaces give way to breezy fabrics and sea inspired palettes. Beach rocking chairs and hammocks give an ease in mood, while the low lighting of fire torchieres light the open air pathways. This is a space where enjoyment is infinite.