Sommerro House, Oslo

The result of a huge reconversion project involving what was once the headquarters of Oslo’s electrical company, Sommerro is much more than a hotel. This grand building with its exposed brick facade is a true landmark in the Norwegian capital, which, a century after its construction, is today once again a focal point in the urban fabric of one of the city’s liveliest districts. What makes this hotel unique, however, is the fact that it embodies a totally new hospitality model built mainly around a “culture-hungry” scenario, the aim being to act as a social hub for habitual customers, thanks to five restaurants, three bars, thirteen meeting rooms, a library, a small private cinema, a large gym, a spa with sixteen cubicles, and the city’s first rooftop pool (with an amazing view). This ambitious project has been given shape by the renowned Norwegian architects Andreas Bjercke and Georg Eliassen, who have lent a new interpretation to the building’s eclectic aesthetics, the result of a mix of neoclassic inspiration, purely functionalist elements and a wealth of fascinating Art Deco details. The thirties have provided the guiding spirit for the interior design of the rooms and suites, with their fine raw materials, sophisticated decor and surefire welcoming mood. Echoes of Art Deco are the distinctive style also in the elegant bathrooms, for which Devon&Devon has collaborated with the designers on a tailor-made version of the iconic Etoile console, fitted with two glass shelves and a black ceramic custom-made top. The accessories are also by Devon&Devon, like the pull-out Cavendish mirror and clothes hooks from the same collection, customised by the addition of details in black.