Zeller & Moye's Hotel Sevilla in Mérida, Mexico, is a stunning example of architectural innovation. The studio seamlessly blends ruinous charm with luxury, creating a unique hotel experience. The project began with a colonial villa in ruins, which Zeller & Moye aimed to preserve while adding modern elements. Co-founder Ingrid Moye describes the initial attraction: 'The charm of the ruinous building, with its natural-taken patios, eroded walls, and disintegrated marble floors, captivated us.' The goal was to maintain the inherent beauty of decay while restoring the historic monument. The studio's approach was to combine the ruinous character with luxury and comfort, drawing inspiration from traditional colonial architecture. They introduced a 'palimpsest' concept, allowing past and present construction layers to coexist and contrast, creating a rich, layered entity. Contemporary materials like concrete and brass were used, contrasting sharply with the historical architecture. The hotel features 21 bedrooms, most opening onto courtyard spaces. The main courtyard hosts an outdoor restaurant, while a unique, half-divided pool in the smaller courtyard adds character. A spa, including a cave-inspired cold-plunge pool and a sweat room, connects both courtyards. The back area, traditionally known as caballerizas, is transformed into a patio surrounded by arched stone-masonry rooms, offering a tranquil retreat from the tropical climate. The central open pool amidst dense greenery forms a refreshing oasis. The pool area is a continuous concrete surface, creating paths, basins, platforms, and stairs. An upper-floor balcony with wicker seating overlooks the central courtyard. Street-facing rooms are converted into self-contained shops. Zeller & Moye's vision is to create a space for refreshment and relaxation, showcasing how buildings evolve over time. Moye emphasizes, 'A building is an organism exposed to layers of time and use.' The hotel's design incorporates natural elements like sky, earth, fire, air flow, endemic vegetation, and water, with pools and espejos de agua enhancing the refreshing atmosphere. Based in Berlin and Mexico City, Zeller & Moye has designed earthquake-resistant housing in Mexico City and a wooden house in a German forest. The project's success lies in its ability to preserve history while adding modern luxury, creating a unique and captivating hotel experience.
