Earthy tones, materials with texture and ethnic, indigenous design elements characterise the new Hotel Grand Hyatt in Playa del Carmen, a tropical paradise in the Mexican Caribbean.
Designed by Mexican firm, Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos, the hotel is located on an irregular site, that slopes down to the sea with a 140 m beachfront, sporting an peculiar aesthetic which I’d like to call contemporary Mediterranean. There are a lot of clean lines and rectilinear spaces, (made all the more evident by a 55m clear span that frames the view of the beach) but there’s also alot of texture, native vegetation and warmth. A variety of Claddings, Stone and wood finishes are prominently used through out the development, seamlessly complimenting one another in varying tones and shades. This is in response to the surroundings and natural setting of the hotel’s location. There’s also a significant area of natural mangrove that was preserved in the development.
The design takes advantage of the vista that fills Playa del Carmen. The Hotel is divided into 3 blocks, with each block designed with a different purpose to generate a range of sensations and experiences for guests and visitors.
Heres how the architects break it down,
The first block forms the connection between the avenue and the hotel, creating an interior roadway for pedestrians and vehicles lined by retail stores, generating an informal urban ambience recalling that of the famous 5th Avenue. This indoor street ascends to define the access route to the main plaza, which becomes the motor lobby. Taking advantage of this elevation, the ballrooms are located beneath the plaza, while the back of house areas are located underneath this indoor street.
The second block is located at the center of the site, forming a visual and spatial connection between the various elements. It takes a rectangular shape, surrounded by a four-story block of hotel rooms. Inside are the fabulous mangrove gardens, which are preserved and used to create a central garden, the perfect setting for the surrounding rooms.
Above this garden and right at the center of the second block there is an open covered pedestrian walkway, with amenities, pavilions and exceptional sea views, which can be seen from the first block. The space beneath this promenade area is employed for the meeting rooms and spa. A large curved, conical, stone-clad volume rising from the earth is the principal visual element relating to the spa. Its design alludes to the magnificent cenote pools that are unique to this area. Inside, an expansive, peaceful space is provided for guests to relax.
As the closest to the sea, the third block offers the best views, which are shared with the rest of the site and enhanced with a striking 12-meter high window that spans 55 meters. This final block is the heart of the hotel and accommodates the entertainment amenities, with the advantage of the direct contact with the beach. The pools and terraces surround the four-story building providing the rooms and suites with the best views.
[via archdaily]
