MAPA scatters personal hotel cabins across the sacromonte vineyards of uruguay

in uruguay’s idyllic landscape of sacromonte, young vineyards grow among lush, hilly grasslands, natural spring water reservoirs and several streams that run through a valley densely surrounded by pristine vegetation. scattered throughout this landscape are the thirteen cabins which make up the sacromonte landscape hotel. designed by MAPA architects, the project retains the comfort and sophistication of an urban hotel while eliminating concept of contiguous rooms for far-reaching, individual dwellings. elevators and corridors are replaced by winding paths. the hotel facilities are comprised of a winery with a restaurant set among the vineyards, a reception area with a wine store and a hilltop terrace for wine tasting.

all images courtesy of leonardo finotti

MAPA has curated a network of additional elements that amplify the experience of the landscape, enhancing the spots yet to be explored. these include an open chapel among the vineyards together with trails and tracks activated by programs for the enjoyment of wine, culture and art. last but not least, sacromonte is a environmentally sustainable venture — the ecology of the site prioritized in every design decision. prefabricated buildings, low-emissivity glass, living roofs, the use of local materials for onsite works, renewable energy, the use of spring waters and the eco-friendly waste water treatment system are just a few of the strategies that make sacromonte a field of harmoniously coexisting events.

the structure of the sacromonte cabins were fabricated in the metropolitan area of montevideo in less than ten weeks, and transported on site in one day. the modular metal structure, a blend of steel framing and light steel framing, gives preference to constructive simplicity and the efficient use of materials. finishing is simple and expressive. in contrast, the walls of the modules are built onsite with local stone, taking on diverse organic configurations adapted to their placement. the façade is composed by a sheet of one-way mirror, creating a tension between both a camouflage with the landscape and a sheen of contemporary technology.