Lisbon-based studio Pedro Silva Arquitectos works together with Spanish company Astet to convert a farmstead into the Aethos Ericeira. It is a functional destination for surfers that is located on Portugal's west coast. There are 50 rooms in the hotel resting over the sandstone cliffs -- it overlooks the beach along the coastline.
Co-Founder and CEO Benjamin Habbel speaks about the project, stating that "When we came across the property, we immediately knew it was a unique opportunity – a secluded destination on top of a 40-metre cliff, surrounded by lush fields with unrivalled ocean views. The building, a former farmhouse turned into a rehab centre, had been abandoned for many years. Despite its bad shape, we saw huge potential."
Image Credit: Francisco Nogueira
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Surfing-themed Hotels
- The trend towards hotels designed for avid surfers such as the Aethos Ericeira is on the rise, presenting an opportunity for the development of more hotels catering to niche interests.
- Sustainable Hotel Practices
- Pedro Silva Arquitectos and Astet's conversion of the abandoned farmhouse into a functional hotel demonstrates the disruptive innovation opportunity for more eco-friendly renovations and practices in the hotel industry.
- Secluded Cliff Hotels
- Hotels located in secluded destinations with breathtaking views such as Aethos Ericeira have the potential to disrupt the traditional hotel landscape and create unique experiences for travelers seeking adventure and exclusivity.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Hospitality
- The hospitality industry can leverage the trend towards niche-themed hotels such as Aethos Ericeira to create unique experiences catered towards specific interests.
- Architecture and Design
- Pedro Silva Arquitectos and Astet's conversion of an abandoned farmhouse into a functional hotel highlights a disruptive innovation opportunity for more creative adaptive reuse projects in the architecture and design industry.
- Sustainability
- Aethos Ericeira's emphasis on sustainable practices presents an opportunity for the sustainability industry to further promote and implement environmentally friendly solutions in the hotel industry.
