Hotel Hello Plovdiv

Hotel Hello Plovdiv is located near the International Fair and the Old Town of Plovdiv - one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. The project involves the adaptive reuse of the former eight-storey Hotel Nord, preserving its structure while redefining it with a contemporary, minimalist identity. The design seeks to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, using light, natural materials such as lime mortar and wood as a subtle tribute to Plovdiv’s Roman architectural heritage.

The guiding concept was to create a contemporary city hotel that is both functional and technologically advanced, while blending the contemporary design with Plovdiv’s ancient history. The existing hotel was in poor condition, with small, dark rooms that felt cramped and an inner courtyard covered by a solid roof, creating a low-ceilinged, dim breakfast area. The strategy focused on restoring a sense of spaciousness and maximising natural light throughout the building. The courtyard roof was replaced with glass, opening views to the sky and bringing daylight deeper into the interior. The facade was reimagined with vertical aluminium profiles that add depth and are designed to accommodate future hinged panels that will filter light in the rooms and animate the exterior. The interior of the hotel was stripped of all unnecessary and decorative elements, to create bright, airy spaces that feel larger and more open.

Sustainability was an essential consideration in the decision-making process, with the aim of minimising demolition and material waste while prioritizing natural, healthy, and long-lasting materials. The existing building layout was largely retained, reducing structural interventions and conserving resources. All usable materials and furniture from the old hotel were either reused in the project or sold, supporting a circular approach. The interior features a limited material palette, which is both cost-effective and ensures a cohesive design throughout the hotel. Lime mortar, a traditional material used in Plovdiv’s Roman architectural heritage, is used for flooring, some of the walls, and all of the bathrooms, providing durability and ease of maintenance. Wood is delicately introduced in some of the furniture pieces, adding a warm, natural layer that enhances the tactile experience of the guests.