HOTEL SEVILLA
Like an old postcard from Habana, a colonial villa with traces from the XVI century in the city center of Mérida in México was found as an abandoned ruin sunk into oblivion. Listed as a historical monument, architectural studio Zeller & Moye have restored the building to new grandeur and have reimagined it as a grand hotel, whilst maintaining the charm of its as-found condition. Our design approach follows the concept of a palimpsest. Present and past layers coexist next to each other and form one rich entity where one can still identify the interventions from different periods of time. Besides the architectural restoration the design comprises various new interventions and additions, and the design of all interiors.
Architectural insertions are added in the form of contemporary elements, all in raw concrete: a recurring theme carried across the various punctual interventions that contrast confidently with the remains of the colonial architecture. The layout of the original building has been reshaped in order to improve movement and accessibility.
The project offers sensorial experiences through the sensitive use of materials, colours and textures. We've taken inspiration from the local and traditional architecture, craftwork, local materials, and even rituals of the region; and have mixed it with influences of Mexican modernism to reshape the building and to design its furniture.
We used local woods, brass, stone, henequen and leather. While the general design is quite monochromatic, furniture and accessories made out of brass bring a warm touch and offer visual focal points. Some of the materials have been salvaged and re-used, including wood beams, natural stone floors, wall finishes and tiles, wall frescoes and sculptures.
Although located in the centre of the tropical city of Mérida, the hotel design triggers sensorial experiences of the natural elements: the endemic vegetation providing shadows in the garden, the deep blue sky with a pervasive sun above the open areas, cooling water pools in the patios and a water cave within the spa, fire in the temazcal, and a gentle flow of air in the rooms.
Water is present throughout the hotel in the form of pools and ponds creating a climate of refreshment and relaxation.
Endemic vegetation forms a lush landscape in the garden and is embedded throughout corridors and balconies, bringing a fresh and vibrant atmosphere to the project. Landscaping has been used as a tool to create pockets of privacy and visual barriers.
The project comprises twenty-one rooms, a spa, gardens, two restaurants, a bar and various retail offers at street level. Suites of varying sizes with tall ceilings and contemporary interiors are arranged around two large patios with lush sub-tropical greenery, a swimming pool, and shaded terraces.
