Get ready to be amazed by the incredible transformation of a colonial ruin into a luxurious hotel! Zeller & Moye's Hotel Sevilla project is a masterpiece that blends decay and opulence in a way that will leave you in awe.
The architecture studio, Zeller & Moye, took on the challenge of restoring an abandoned colonial villa in Mérida, Mexico, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary. When the co-founder, Ingrid Moye, first laid eyes on the casona, she was captivated by its charm and the beauty of its decay. She envisioned preserving this essence while transforming it into a modern hotel, and the outcome is a unique blend of the past and present.
"We wanted to maintain the inherent beauty of the ruin while carefully restoring it for a new purpose," Moye explained. And they certainly delivered on that vision!
The studio renovated the existing buildings surrounding two adjoined courtyards and added contemporary insertions that contrast with the historical architecture. Moye described their approach as a "palimpsest," where past and present layers coexist and intertwine to create a rich, unified space. The result is a harmonious blend of old and new, with 21 bedrooms seamlessly integrated into the existing structure, most of them opening directly onto the courtyard spaces.
But here's where it gets controversial... Zeller & Moye aimed to combine the ruinous character with luxury, drawing inspiration from traditional colonial houses and haciendas of Yucatán. And they achieved this by using contemporary materials like concrete and brass, creating a stark contrast to the historical architecture. It's a bold move that sparks debate: is it a respectful restoration or a modern intrusion?
In the main collonaded courtyard, an outdoor restaurant invites guests to dine under the stars, while the smaller courtyard boasts a unique pool divided by a wall with a doorway-like opening. A spa, featuring a cave-like cold plunge pool and a sweat room, connects the two courtyards, offering guests a relaxing retreat.
And this is the part most people miss... The back of the property, traditionally known as the caballerizas, has been transformed into a tropical oasis. Surrounded by arched stone-masonry rooms, the courtyard garden with its central pool and dense greenery provides a refreshing escape from the sub-humid weather. The pool area, a new addition, is a continuous concrete surface that gracefully drapes across the garden, forming paths, basins, and platforms.
On the upper floor, a spacious balcony with wicker seating offers a tranquil overlook of the central courtyard. Meanwhile, the street-facing rooms have been converted into self-contained shops, creating a vibrant street-level experience.
Zeller & Moye's vision extends beyond creating a space for relaxation; they wanted to showcase the evolution of buildings over time. "A building is an organism, exposed to layers of time and use," Moye said. And indeed, their design reflects this philosophy, with contemporary interventions juxtaposed against the historical architecture.
The studio aimed to create an immersive experience, incorporating natural elements like sky, earth, fire, air, vegetation, and water. Water, in particular, is a prominent feature, with pools and espejos de agua (water mirrors) creating a refreshing atmosphere throughout the hotel.
Based in Berlin and Mexico City, Zeller & Moye is led by architects Moye and Christoph Zeller, who have a portfolio of impressive projects, including an earthquake-resistant housing block and a wooden house in a German forest. Their work showcases a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture, always with a focus on sustainability and respect for the environment.
So, what do you think? Is Zeller & Moye's Hotel Sevilla a successful fusion of ruin and luxury, or does it fall short of its ambitious vision? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Don't be shy; let's spark a discussion about this intriguing project!
