AS Arquitectura turns dilapidated Mexican hacienda into characterful resort

Dan Howarth | 29 August 2016 2 comments

A+Awards: another project lauded at this year's Architizer A+ Awards is this Mexican hacienda, where crumbling buildings were restored and connected with new elements by local studio AS Arquitectura to create a hotel (+ slideshow).

Situated in Champotón, on the gulf coast of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, the Niop Hacienda comprises a series of ruined stone structures that formed a residential complex complete with small farm and industrial buildings, as well as a chapel.

AS Arquitectura aimed to unite these different elements to form a hotel and event spaces for weddings, while maintaining the character of the old overgrown walls.

"The project consists of a series of subtle interventions ranged from the generality of reordering the zoning of their uses, to the particularity of solving the most intricate detail of how the contemporary merges with pre-existing," the studio said.

The new programme includes a restaurant, banquet rooms, utility spaces, and large open spaces for holding various events.

It also encompasses guest rooms and villas, as well as spaces for "reflection and isolation".

AS Arquitectura created a route through the complex to unite these various amenities, using wooden flooring and steel-framed bamboo canopies to direct guests around the site.

A concrete basement was constructed to link the chapel and bridal suite. Across the site, reflecting pools mirror the buildings and vegetation, while gravel areas offer spaces for outdoor gatherings.

Contemporary features were added in the reception area and bathrooms, where smooth surfaces contrast with the rough stonework.

"The interventions of these new occupants within the complex are inserted discreetly," said the studio.

Niop Hacienda was one of the winners in the Hotels & Resorts category at the A+Awards 2016.

Organised by Architizer, the awards promote and celebrate the year's best projects and products. Their stated mission is to nurture the appreciation of meaningful architecture in the world and champion its potential for a positive impact on everyday life.