Through its evolution as the Central American country’s capital and an ever-scrappy microcosm of different cultures – the lasting impact of the many polymathic radical thinkers and creatives that have passed through its vast sprawl at one point or another – Mexico City has long been a test bed for experimental architecture. The lack of regulation has long made the metropolis a particularly auspicious canvas of sorts for maverick talents to play with volume, material, and other characteristics. One has only to think of the prolific and distinctive output of influential architects like Juan O’Gorman, Luis Barragán, and Felix Candela. Building on this heritage of innovation is the recently completed Hotel Volga. Situated in central neighborhood Cuauhtémoc, the ‘urban cenote’ destination was designed by up-and-coming firm JSa with a monumental U-shaped atrium at its core, clad in a defining iron screen.
“The location of the hotel – a narrow street surrounded by tall service buildings that would deprive any view – suggested an introspective building,” says firm co-principal Javier Sánchez. This central feature extends from basement to rooftop skylight, turning the open-air ground floor into a hub. The property’s 49 standard and 33 deluxe guest rooms radiate around this interior shaft. The iron screens can be open allowing for a unique level of social interaction across varied accommodations.
“This strategy is reminiscent of the traditional colonial cloisters that vibrant Mexican neighborhoods are built around,” Sánchez adds. “The amenities and vertical circulation of the building remain on the facade as a gesture that subverts the apparent hermeticity of the building by hinting at the vitality of its interior without completely revealing it.” Though decidedly Brutalist and minimalist in style, Hotel Volga achieves a level of comfort and warmth through the implementation of natural finishes, plushily upholstered yet restrained furnishings, and an abundance of regional-appropriate greenery.
“For this project, we favored a neutral palette and bold use of natural materials, with accents that give prominence to some of its key elements,” says JSa co-principal Aisha Ballesteros. “The result produces a refined atmosphere, ideal for recreation and relaxation.” Contrasting key iron accents, cast-in-place concrete is found in the building’s facade, an exposed wall framing the patio-lobby that contains Mediterranean fine dining restaurant Elora, guest room ceilings, and even custom bathtubs in each suite. Other moody-hued natural materials include especially dark Turkish marbles, volcanic rock consoles, and mid-tone woods.
“Similar to our close collaborations with artists and artisans, we also believe in the importance of involving local designers as a fundamental complement to the interior architecture of our projects,” Sánchez says. “In the case of Hotel Volga, a vast majority of the furniture and accessories were produced by young studios and local designers. The sculptural furniture we designed for the hotel amenities – the Tier 2/5 boutique concept store, an experimental space, and the tasting room – were hand-carved by local artisans who are experts in stonework.”
The lobby also features a large “nonsite” installation by Mexican artist Perla Krauze that invites guests to engage with the geology of the unique yet fragile ecosystem of Mexico City area El Pedregal de San Ángel. When it comes to other public spaces, this new lodging also includes a sun deck, a private basement-level music room, and the Minos cocktail bar turned DJ-ed nightclub on certain nights.
“Our favorite spaces in the hotel are these subterranean social hubs,” Ballesteros concludes. “Unlike other projects that are private upon completion (such as housing), hospitality projects give us the opportunity to return and experience them, no longer as architects, but as their audience, enjoying their development, discovering their evolution, and learning from them as inspiration for new endeavors.”
What: Hotel Volga
Where: Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
How much: Guest rooms starting from US $210
Design draw: With a fully immersive experience, Hotel Volga guests will find themselves at the epicenter of Mexico City’s most interesting and experimental architecture. What’s more, a stay at the JSa-designed property showcases a softer side of Brutalism few are privy to.
Book it: Hotel Volga
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Photography courtesy of Volga Hotel by Hamak Hotels.
