By way of its evolution because the Central American nation’s capital and an ever-scrappy microcosm of various cultures – the lasting impression of the various polymathic radical thinkers and creatives which have handed by way of its huge sprawl at one level or one other – Mexico Metropolis has lengthy been a check mattress for experimental structure. The shortage of regulation has lengthy made the metropolis a very auspicious canvas of types for maverick skills to play with quantity, materials, and different traits. One has solely to consider the prolific and distinctive output of influential architects like Juan O’Gorman, Luis Barragán, and Felix Candela. Constructing on this heritage of innovation is the lately accomplished Lodge Volga. Located in central neighborhood Cuauhtémoc, the ‘city cenote’ vacation spot was designed by up-and-coming agency JSa with a monumental U-shaped atrium at its core, clad in a defining iron display screen.
“The placement of the lodge – a slim road surrounded by tall service buildings that may deprive any view – instructed an introspective constructing,” says agency co-principal Javier Sánchez. This central function extends from basement to rooftop skylight, turning the open-air floor flooring right into a hub. The property’s 49 commonplace and 33 deluxe visitor rooms radiate round this inside shaft. The iron screens might be open permitting for a singular degree of social interplay throughout different lodging.
“This technique is paying homage to the standard colonial cloisters that vibrant Mexican neighborhoods are constructed round,” Sánchez provides. “The facilities and vertical circulation of the constructing stay on the facade as a gesture that subverts the obvious hermeticity of the constructing by hinting on the vitality of its inside with out fully revealing it.” Although decidedly Brutalist and minimalist in type, Lodge Volga achieves a degree of consolation and heat by way of the implementation of pure finishes, plushily upholstered but restrained furnishings, and an abundance of regional-appropriate greenery.
“For this venture, we favored a impartial palette and daring use of pure supplies, with accents that give prominence to a few of its key components,” says JSa co-principal Aisha Ballesteros. “The consequence produces a refined ambiance, very best for recreation and leisure.” Contrasting key iron accents, cast-in-place concrete is discovered within the constructing’s facade, an uncovered wall framing the patio-lobby that accommodates Mediterranean effective eating restaurant Elora, visitor room ceilings, and even customized bathtubs in every suite. Different moody-hued pure supplies embrace particularly darkish Turkish marbles, volcanic rock consoles, and mid-tone woods.
“Just like our shut collaborations with artists and artisans, we additionally imagine within the significance of involving native designers as a basic complement to the inside structure of our initiatives,” Sánchez says. “Within the case of Lodge Volga, a overwhelming majority of the furnishings and equipment had been produced by younger studios and native designers. The sculptural furnishings we designed for the lodge facilities – the Tier 2/5 boutique idea retailer, an experimental house, and the tasting room – had been hand-carved by native artisans who’re specialists in stonework.”
The foyer additionally options a big “nonsite” set up by Mexican artist Perla Krauze that invitations company to interact with the geology of the distinctive but fragile ecosystem of Mexico Metropolis space El Pedregal de San Ángel. Relating to different public areas, this new lodging additionally features a solar deck, a personal basement-level music room, and the Minos cocktail bar turned DJ-ed nightclub on sure nights.
“Our favourite areas within the lodge are these subterranean social hubs,” Ballesteros concludes. “Not like different initiatives which might be non-public upon completion (resembling housing), hospitality initiatives give us the chance to return and expertise them, now not as architects, however as their viewers, having fun with their growth, discovering their evolution, and studying from them as inspiration for brand spanking new endeavors.”
What: Lodge Volga
The place: Mexico Metropolis, Distrito Federal, Mexico
How a lot: Visitor rooms ranging from US $210
Design draw: With a totally immersive expertise, Lodge Volga company will discover themselves on the epicenter of Mexico Metropolis’s most fascinating and experimental structure. What’s extra, a keep on the JSa-designed property showcases a softer aspect of Brutalism few are aware about.
Ebook it: Lodge Volga
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Images courtesy of Volga Lodge by Hamak Lodges.
