Entry number: B07069
Project Name: Rio Porte Cochere
Location: 3700 W Flamingo Road, Las Vegas
Building Type: Hotel remodel and expansion
Completion Date: December, 2004
Architect:  YWS Architects

Sustainable Description

Design Team:
Architect: YWS Architects
Civil Engineer: Lochsa Engineering
Electrical Engineer: JBA Consulting Engineers
General Contractor: Penta Building Group
Landscape Architect: Sage Design Studios
Photographer: Opulence Studios
Structural Engineer: Lochsa Engineering

Narrative/Project Description:
In reviewing the arriving guest’s experience entering the Rio property from Flamingo Road, we noted that although it is a rather circuitous route, it is a very heavily landscaped and pleasant experience…until the last turn towards the original Porte Cochere. The lush experience ended, and the arriving guest was greeted with bare walls of the building, confusing signage and a general bad first impression of the front door experience. In addition, the original Porte Cochere was very dark, and showed a dreary destination for the guest.
This remodel and expansion of the front of the Rio included the addition of new planters and dense landscaping to mask the existing bare walls, as well as add an additional 4 lanes of arrival traffic capability. This was accomplished by extending the existing Porte Cochere, removing the original vaulted roof and replacing it with blue glass to match the hotel tower. This created a well lit, welcoming experience for the arriving guest. The light fixtures are custom bronze light dishes containing LED lights that provide uplighting, which is synchronized to the lights and sound of the fiber optic attraction in the I-Bar.

Sustainability Description:
This project is steel, glass, and tiles. The light fixtures are LED, and the skylight has a fritted pattern that increases as the glass panels go more horizontal. This creates the most sun protection for the arriving guests, while allowing for natural light.