Famed Mexican architectural firm Ludwig Godefroy recently completed a minimalist boutique hotel designed to embrace environmental awareness and social responsibility. The result is a collection of nine bare concrete suites that appear to be supported by the surrounding natural vegetation.
Located in the surf capital of La Punta Zicatela on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in Puerto Escondido, Casa TO offers guests a unique retreat experience amidst the hotel’s striking architecture.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the strong visual impact of the location, highlighted by the impressive avant-garde and temple-inspired architecture of Oaxaca, and the stark contrast between the use of raw materials and the lush nature.
“The new boutique hotel redefines hospitality with a precise balance of environmental and architectural elements that invite contemplation,” said Casa TO. “To contemplate from a temple in Oaxaca.”
Jaime Navarro for Casa TO
Six of the nine suites are located on the ground floor and have their own private outdoor space and gardens. The others are located on the first floor and equipped with an independent outdoor terrace with a private outdoor bathtub.
The architectural design of each suite highlights a strong trade-off between intimacy and outdoor exposure, as evidenced by the use of roofless concrete walls with large circular cutouts. The concrete was chosen primarily to keep interior spaces cooler, while protecting the structure from exterior heat.
Jaime Navarro for Casa TO
Casa TO is centered around a stunning infinity pool and solarium area, surrounded by vaulted concrete volumes designed to create a peaceful and relaxing open-plan retreat.
Indoor and outdoor living spaces are surrounded by the sky or lush surrounding vegetation that seems to climb the walls from the outside inwards. Natural materials such as clay, steel and wood are used to good effect throughout, and the interplay between the exterior and interior helps promote natural airflow through interior areas.
Jaime Navarro for Casa TO
The retreat is equipped with solar panels on the roof for a passive energy source; and has a water treatment plant to recycle water for use in surrounding gardens. The hotel also has a zero plastic policy.
“Staying at Casa TO means pausing to reconnect with a contemplative experience in an environment of abundant conceptual elegance and utter serenity,” said Casa TO. “Like the reinterpretation of a temple in Oaxaca, generating a radical sensory experience upon entering.”
Accommodation at Casa TO isn’t the cheapest, with nightly prices for two starting at US$675.
Source: Casa TO and Ludwig Godefroy
