Located on the 24th floor of the Nhow Hotel, Selva Restaurant offers Latin American cuisine with a tropical twist. The restaurant’s design blends organic shapes, natural materials, and vibrant colors to create a lush and exotic experience. Additionally, sharing the same floor, but in separate spaces, the Sonora Cocktail Bar complements the experience with bold tropical cocktails (see below for Sonora Cocktail Bar press kit link).
Starting point
The initial space felt cold and industrial, enclosed by a striking floor-to-ceiling glass façade designed by the architectural team OMA, led by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. It boasted spectacular views of Amsterdam’s outskirts, filled with highways and new constructions, making the view of the city the main focus. One of the primary challenges was transforming this space into a warm, jungle-like environment that contrasted with the city’s hardness.
A forestial design proposal
Set against a green backdrop, with organic-inspired flooring and abundant vegetation, the firm incorporated textured wooden elements with flowing shapes that serve as benches and dividers. These elements evoke a forest-like atmosphere, adding warmth and creating inviting paths that soften the space.
Upon entering beneath a vibrant, plant-filled ceiling, guests are greeted by a suspended, reflective element resembling a tropical river, surrounded by sparkling glass lamps and lush vegetation.
Reflective finishes in metal, glass, and ceramics enhance the rainforest ambiance, complemented by the building’s glass façade.
Vibrant colours, inspired by tropical fruits and birds, add energy through furniture and the bar’s undulating front, covered in colourful tiles reminiscent of Latin American textiles. The grand bar extends throughout the space, energizing the room with its lively activity, drinks area, and open kitchen.
The floor-to-ceiling glass façade is partially covered with wicker, rope, and wood panels, filtering sunlight like leaves and creating cozy shadows.
Selva Restaurant immerses guests in a lush, vibrant environment with stunning views of Amsterdam.
Interior Design: EL EQUIPO CREATIVO
Partners: Oliver Franz Schmidt, Natali Canas del Pozo, Lucas Echeveste Lacy
Team leaders: Daniel Trujillo, Marcos Merino
Project team: Ricard Fabregat, Rafaela Aranzaens, Michele Soares, Yesica Peña, Maria di Bello
Photography: Adrià Goula
Client: Nhow Hotels, NH Hotels
Gastronomic concept: Younique
Lighting design: MMAS lighting
Construction & fit out: Martinez Otero
Decorative greenery: Bossvi
Engineering: SDR
Electrical installer: Electro Baymon
Kitchen equipment: Pilsa
Kitchen planner: VIJVERBORGH
Acoustic consulting: Level Acoustics & Vibration BV
Audio visual: Bazelmans
Flooring: Terraconti
Finishes: Formica, Finsa
Fabrics: Grupo LaMadrid
Ceramics: Matter Atelier
