Today’s project is more a urban-archeological act rather than a mere renovation: it’s the amazing transformation that led an hotel from the 70’s become a contemporary, cutting-edge hotel, that is the Carlota. Located in Mexico City, it was renovated by Jsa, aka Javier Sánchez arquitectura, the multi-disciplinary studio that has been gaining over 55 national and international awards in 15 years of business. The central courtyard, which used to be the former core of the facility, remains the central focus of the new Hotel Carlota, which today features 36 rooms. Another unique feature is the mirror-like façade, probably dating back to the 80’s, which interestingly no longer hosts the main entrance: the new one is on the side, in the neighbors’ parking lot, so that visitors reach directly to the central courtyard and get astonished by what they see.

Dealing with pre-existing materials made the studio decide which layers to remove and show, but most of all add some potential elements that could give cohesion and unity to the project. The concrete structure of the existing building can be appreciated from every common area and hotel room, like the restaurant which overlooks any of its side. The lattice of black concrete blocks connects with these aims of spatial relationships, but also provides privacy and enriches the journey to the rooms. The rooms have an interior living condition that depends on each host, some even have a private roof to sunbathe and enjoy the vertical urban landscape of Mexico City. The interiors are made by a large team of contemporary Mexican designers that look after every detail in space, from the concrete furniture with custom wood incrustation, up to the bathroom accessories, focusing in making each piece according to each room distinctively. Contemporary art interventions cover some walls of the room giving them a touch of color and creating a unique space experience.

INFO: www.jas.com.mx
Instagram: @JsaArquitectura, @javiersanchezcorral, @hotelcarlotamx
Facebook: JSaArquitectura, @Javier-Sanchez, @HotelCarlota

PHOTO COURTESY: Rafael Gamo; Camila Cossío
TAGS: #urbanhotel, #ExperienciaCarlota, #arqueologiaurbana