Project: Selva Restaurant
Architecture: El Equipo Creativo
Team Leaders: Daniel Trujillo, Marcos Merino
Project Team: Ricard Fabregat, Rafaela Aranzaens, Michele Soares, Yesica Peña, Maria di Bello
Construction & fit out: Martinez Otero
Decorative greenery: Bossvi
Engineering: SDR
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Adrià Goula
Selva Restaurant, perched on the 24th floor of Amsterdam’s Nhow Hotel, offers a unique blend of Latin American flavors and vibrant, tropical ambiance. Designed by EL EQUIPO CREATIVO, Selva Restaurant combines organic shapes, natural materials, and rich colors, creating an exotic dining experience. The restaurant’s lively jungle-inspired design perfectly complements its Latin American-inspired menu, making it a standout in Amsterdam.
From Industrial to Jungle Sanctuary
Originally, Selva Restaurant was a cool, industrial space framed by floor-to-ceiling glass. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and his OMA team, the glass façade showcases views of Amsterdam’s outskirts. However, EL EQUIPO CREATIVO aimed to create warmth and immersion. To contrast the urban environment, they infused the space with lush greenery and earthy textures, transforming it into a welcoming, jungle-inspired sanctuary.
Forest-Inspired Design for Warmth and Flow
Selva Restaurant welcomes diners into a lush forest-like atmosphere. Natural wooden benches and flowing dividers guide guests through the space, mimicking a forest path. Upon entering, visitors pass beneath a plant-filled ceiling. Here, a suspended reflective piece evokes the look of a winding river, creating a soothing vibe. Sparkling glass lamps and abundant greenery add to the tropical atmosphere, making guests feel as though they’ve stepped into an exotic oasis.
Reflective Accents and Vibrant Tropical Colors
The restaurant’s rainforest ambiance is further enhanced with reflective surfaces, such as metal, glass, and ceramics. Additionally, the vibrant colors—drawn from tropical fruits and birds—add energy. The colorful bar front, covered in tiles reminiscent of Latin American textiles, brings brightness to the room. Together, these details make Selva Restaurant both inviting and lively, blending culture and comfort seamlessly.
A Cozy, Sunlit Escape
Although the glass façade remains, new materials like wicker, rope, and wood panels soften the light. These additions filter sunlight, casting cozy shadows that mimic leafy canopies. This interplay of light and shadow completes Selva Restaurant’s jungle feel, creating a sunlit retreat high above the city. The design invites guests to relax and enjoy both the tropical ambiance and the panoramic views of Amsterdam.
Selva Restaurant: A Unique Dining Experience Above the City
In conclusion, Selva Restaurant by EL EQUIPO CREATIVO is more than a dining destination; it’s an immersive experience. The combination of Latin American cuisine and a captivating tropical environment creates an escape from urban life. Whether enjoying the lively bar, plant-filled ceiling, or city views, diners experience an exciting blend of flavors and design. Selva Restaurant stands as a one-of-a-kind location in Amsterdam, offering a memorable experience above the city.
