Hotel Unique (Brazil)

Located in São Paulo's iconic Jardins neighbourhood, Hotel Unique, originally designed by Ruy Ohtake in 2002, is renowned for its bold curved façade and avant-garde design. João Armentano's recent renovation has revitalised the hotel while preserving its essence. Roca products are seamlessly integrated into the new bathrooms, demonstrating a commitment to elegance, functionality and sustainability.

Armentano’s approach was deeply respectful of Ohtake’s bold vision, defined by organic curves and minimalist design. His aim was to introduce modern elements while preserving Ohtake’s essence, embracing the “less is more” philosophy central to the hotel’s design. The renovation of the hotel’s 84 suites strikes a balance between timeless architectural forms, simplicity, function and contemporary luxury.

At the heart of this vision are the bathrooms, where Roca’s iconic basin collections take centre stage. Armentano’s choice of Ruy Ohtake basins beautifully honours Ohtake’s original concept, while his own Horizon basins introduce a sleek geometric contrast, blending architectural heritage and modern luxury.

Roca’s long-standing relationship with renowned architects Ruy Ohtake and João Armentano is a testament to their shared commitment to design excellence and innovation. The creation of award-winning basin collections - the Ohtake Collection by Ruy Ohtake and Horizon by João Armentano - marked the beginning of Roca's collaboration with both architects.

The Ruy Ohtake oval countertop basins, inspired by the natural form of an egg, echo the fluid lines of Ohtake’s architecture, symbolising nature’s softness within an urban landscape. The geometric precision and minimalist aesthetic of Horizon basins, on the other hand, offer a modern contrast to the hotel’s curved architecture.

Every detail of the renovated bathrooms was meticulously curated. Each product was chosen not only for its design, but also for its ability to complement the overall ambience of the rooms. Armentano’s team handpicked each product from the Roca São Paulo Gallery, ensuring that every product complemented the hotel’s overall design ethos. The result is an impeccable fusion of sophistication and sustainability.

The Ona single-lever faucets, with their sleek cylindrical design and Cold Start technology, help reduce water and energy consumption while offering guests smooth, precise usage. The design is further elevated by a matt black finish, which provides a subtle chromatic contrast against the light, neutral tones of the interior.

Featuring Roca’s exclusive Rimless technology, Inspira Round toilets offer both practicality and aesthetic appeal. With rounded edges and a subtle slope from top to bottom, they offer a lightweight, contemporary design. Their advanced flushing system ensures superior hygiene while promoting water efficiency, an essential feature in a modern, eco-conscious hotel.

For the showers, Roca’s Rainsense collection was the perfect choice. These ultra-thin shower heads offer a luxurious rain-like experience, with perfectly balanced jets that provide a therapeutic massage to the head and back, helping to relieve tension. Combining high performance with a minimalist design, Rainsense shower heads complement the hotel’s sophisticated environment.

The renovation of Hotel Unique is a celebration of the shared vision of two architectural legends, brought to life through Armentano’s thoughtful design and Roca’s innovative products. Each suite becomes a sanctuary of light and comfort, where Roca’s carefully selected bathroom solutions – from the soft curves of the Ohtake basins to the sleek efficiency of the Ona mixers – enhance the overall atmosphere. The integration of Roca’s cutting-edge technology reflects a modern, sustainable approach without compromising the hotel’s architectural heritage.

Together, Hotel Unique and Roca have set new standards for luxury, comfort, innovation and sustainability in the hospitality industry, ensuring that this iconic space remains a symbol of excellence in the city.