The Largo | Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos

“For The Largo, we have applied a refined, historically detailed design language that celebrates modernity combined with a sense of an aesthetic slowness in celebration of the city, its legacy and the local traditions of Porto. The materials used throughout are local, subdued, warm, intimate, tactile, and natural. Where possible we have collaborated with local artisans to create an experience, an environment that is elegant, distinctly discreet, sensuous and comfortable. Our wish has been to create a soft and charming oasis in the heart of Porto – a place and destination where you can feel at home, sense the honest and genuine atmosphere of the historic buildings and neighbourhood ...A place of discovery, and a place to recharge for new adventures in the beautiful city and surrounding nature.”

Peter Bundgaard Rützou, Co-Founder of Space Copenhagen

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Space Copenhagen, the Danish design studio, completed the interiors for The Largo in 2023, a new hotel in Porto, Portugal. Located on the historic Largo de São Domingos, the 18-room hotel, restaurant and bar occupy five interconnected 15th, 16th and 19th Century Buildings that Space Copenhagen has carefully stripped back and restored to reveal, and maintain, many of its original features. The Largo is an exciting new hotel concept that playfully subverts the standard notions of luxury hospitality and is the brainchild of Annassurra, a Copenhagen based travel and hospitality group.

The collection of historical buildings was first lovingly restored by architect Frederico Valsassina and are situated in a prime position with views across the Douro River, which runs through the city of Porto. One of the key objectives of the renovation, which has steadily been taking place over the last three years, has been the conservation of hundreds of years of history and preserving the crafts and traditions embedded within the architecture of the building.

The Largo’s interiors have been conceived by Space Copenhagen to inspire connection; between guests, hosts, the Portuguese community and the space itself. Through thoughtful elements of craft, materiality, texture and art, The Largo plays at the intersection of tradition and modernity; attention to detail and authenticity. Peter Bundgaard Rützou and Signe Bindslev Henriksen, founders of Space Copenhagen have conceived the interiors of The Largo to be soft, slightly nostalgic yet timeless, refined, historically detailed and overall orchestrated by a modern design perspective with an overarching sense of slow design and travel. Materials have been locally sourced for their qualities of subdued, warm, intimate, tactile, and natural. As such stone, wood, brass and soft fabrics feature repeatedly throughout.

Architecture: Frederico Valsassina (Frederico Valsassina Arquitectos, Lda)

Interior Design Firm: Space Copenhagen

Landscaping: Marta Palha

Main Contractor: San Jose

Project Manager: Jens Eny (in-house Chief Construction Officer at Annassurra)

Procurement: Mostly in-house/Annassurra, with some support from Designbrokers Hospitality DK ApS (previously trading as Holmris)

Graphic Design / Branding / Visual Identity: All the Way to Paris and in-house designer, Margarida Olo

Lighting Design: Filamento

Art Consultant: In-house
Other Contractors / Consultants: Maes Inox BV — now under the Bossuyt brand — for kitchen design; Sontastic for AV

Photography Credits: Joachim Wichmann
Photographer’s Website / IG / FB: www.instagram.com/wichmann100 | www.wplusb.dk