Looking out to sea

In the touristic and historic setting of the Dalmatian coast near Dubrovnik (the ancient city of Ragusa, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the history of Mediterranean trade and culture is much in evidence), the Radissonblu Hotel is a major architectural work that emerges from the coastline with its linear volumes. The project by Croatian architects Branimir Medic and Pero Puljiz creates an effective repetition of horizontal lines, the shape of the hotel building mimicking the indented coast and the low hills descending to the sea. The integration of this large architectural volume into the natural setting of rocks and vegetation follows a prevalent movement of horizontal lines, so the multi-level building complex is divided into two parts: a low, long-fronted volume and a unit that rises from the centre of the construction with a narrow front and deep side wings that enclose a sheltered, open space. This creates a separate tranquil place where guests can relax in visual contact with the vegetation. The geometric regularity of the main building fits perfectly into this dialogue with nature, as if it were a large terrace resting on the coastal hills. The sharp profile, the clearly-defined, orthogonal and luminous lines of the facades with their large windows looking out to sea create an image that extends into the landscape, introducing viewpoints, equipment and places for sport and relaxation in a sequence that surrounds the main body of the hotel complex, assuring a high level of well-being for guests. The high-quality hospitality and complementary services (physical and wellness activities, the enjoyment of nature at a conceptual and practical level and the availability of equipment and the private pebbly beach) complement a project characterised by a variety of forms and tools. While the complex is envisioned as a clearly identifiable whole, it nonetheless consists of distinct, separate elements that gently attenuate its presence. The hotel complex aims to achieve a qualitative distinction of spaces and environments in a concept that is focused on luxury, offering a large number of rooms and suites with elegant and rational design and a preference for light-coloured furnishings and finishes based on a maritime theme. Inside, it offers an equally wide range of amenities for well-being (fitness areas and spaces for care of the body featuring a variety of equipment). Outside, the concept of integration between nature and architecture is reflected in the meticulously designed spaces for physical activity and relaxation. For example, the three freshwater swimming pools surrounding the hotel complex are calm, comfortable spaces from where users can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the sea and the Dalmatian islands. The construction materials used in the external accessory spaces are based on the idea of naturalness, standing apart from the main body of the complex which instead is characterised by the modernity of the glass elements. The pavings chosen for the external swimming pool areas constitute a further element of distinction: the porcelain tiles from NovaBell combine natural appeal and technology with high strength and mechanical characteristics, including non-slip qualities suitable for wet exterior spaces. The installation pattern combines different size tiles based on a basic square module (45 x 45 cm) to create a varied design. The soft colours (white, clay, grey, beige) complement the tactile appearance of the tile finish, while the use of elements with modest surface relief reinforces the natural appeal of the material.