VASELLI | Travertine Shapes the Eilert Smith Hotel, Stavanger

Vaselli Travertine takes centre stage at the Eilert Smith Hotel – In the heart of Stavanger, the vibrant port city on Norway’s south-western coast, where architectural heritage meets a dynamic contemporary scene, the Eilert Smith Hotel stands as a remarkable example of how the restoration of a historic building can be transformed into a refined hospitality experience. Converted from a 1937 Functionalist building designed by architect Eilert Smith, the boutique hotel is now home to just twelve guest rooms and one of Europe’s most celebrated restaurants,RE-NAA, awarded three Michelin stars.

Designed by Trodahl Arkitekter,the project respectfully reinterprets the original architecture, preserving its distinctive character while expanding the existing structure through a restrained contemporary language in which light, proportion and natural materials become the project’s defining narrative. Brass, timber and stone exist in perfect harmony, creating interiors of remarkable material richness.

Natural stone provides the project’s unifying thread. Chosen as the defining material of the interiors, it guides guests along a continuous journey that begins outdoors and extends through every space of the hotel, culminating in the exclusive penthouse.

To translate this architectural vision into reality, Trodahl Arkitekter entrusted Vaselli with the development of an extensive range of bespoke stone elements and custom-made furnishings: the result is a project in which stone goes far beyond its traditional role as a cladding material, becoming architecture, furniture and sculptural matter capable of shaping the identity of every space.

Among the project’s most striking features is the sweeping curved wall crafted from solid Bianco Rapolano Travertine, meticulously vein-matched to create a seamless, continuous flow across the entire surface.

A highly complex piece of craftsmanship, it preserves the uninterrupted natural pattern of the stone, transforming the wall into a sculptural architectural element. The same design approach is reflected in the travertine-clad counter of RE-NAA, where the material becomes an integral part of the dining experience, expressing the same quiet strength that defines the hotel’s interiors.

Vaselli’s manufacturing excellence is equally evident in the penthouse, where the living area is centred around a spectacular five-metre-long OCO kitchen island crafted in Noce Travertine. The bathroom features bespoke furnishings from the Le Cave Collection, complemented by a distinctive triangular bathtub.

Outside, the project maintains the same material continuity through the travertine entrance steps and integrated seating, creating a seamless connection between architecture and the surrounding urban context.

From the restoration of the historic building to the spaces dedicated to fine dining and the exclusive penthouse interiors, the project showcases Vaselli‘s ability to interpret natural stone as a living material, capable of adapting to technically demanding applications and fully bespoke solutions. This expertise is rooted in the company’s deep understanding of stone, where craftsmanship, technical innovation and design culture come together to transform every element into an integral part of the architectural vision.

At the Eilert Smith Hotel, stone is far more than a material: it is the language through which architecture, hospitality and fine dining achieve perfect harmony, expressing a vision of understated, authentic and timeless luxury.

FOCUS | Eilert Smith Hotel

Overlooking Stavanger harbour, the Eilert Smith Hotel occupies a carefully restored Functionalist building dating back to 1937, originally designed by renowned Norwegian architect Eilert Smith. Trodahl Arkitekter transformed the former headquarters of the Rogaland Felleskjøp Agricultural Cooperative into an intimate twelve-room boutique hotel, adding two new storeys while preserving the integrity and character of the original architecture.

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and recipient of a MICHELIN Key, the hotel embodies a hospitality concept where architecture, design and guest experience exist in perfect balance. Natural stone, timber and brass define a restrained material palette, creating interiors that are elegant, warm and timeless. The hotel’s most exclusive accommodation, Eilert’s Residence, occupies the top two floors and embraces the same architectural philosophy through generous spaces, abundant natural light and bespoke furnishings.

FOCUS | RE-NAA: Architecture Meets Fine Dining

Located on the ground floor of the Eilert Smith Hotel, RE-NAA, led by chef Sven Erik Renaa, ranks among Europe’s most celebrated dining destinations. Awarded three Michelin Stars, the restaurant has established Stavanger as one of Northern Europe’s emerging capitals of fine dining.

With just twenty-two seats, RE-NAA offers an immersive experience in which kitchen and dining room are seamlessly connected. The kitchen is fully open, while every dish is presented directly by the chefs, turning service into a moment of genuine interaction.

The architecture reinforces this philosophy through a restrained interior free from unnecessary distractions. At its centre, the Bianco Rapolano Travertine counter crafted by Vaselli becomes an integral part of the dining experience. Here, stone serves not merely as a decorative material, but as an essential architectural element, creating a continuous dialogue between design, hospitality and haute cuisine.

Project: Eilert Smith Hotel
Location: Stavanger, Norway
Architect: Trodahl Arkitekter (Architect Pål Trodahl)
Stonework and bespoke furnishings: Vaselli
Photography: Rasmus Hjortshøj – COAST Studio

****

Company Profile

With a design-driven culture that combines tradition, innovation and exceptional craftsmanship, Vaselli interprets travertine and natural stone.. Specialising in bespoke collections and tailor-made architectural projects, the company develops custom solutions for residential, hospitality and prestigious contract environments, both indoors and outdoors. Its ongoing pursuit of essential forms, combined with an in-depth knowledge of natural stone, has established Vaselli as an internationally recognised reference in the field of natural stone craftsmanship.

Want to download the full Press Kit? Click here:

https://bit.ly/Vaselli_EilertSmithHotel