nomah & JSa transform iconic office building in mexico city into sense-engaging hotel

architecture firms nomah and JSª have transformed an iconic 1924 business building of mexico city, into the ‘hotel umbral’. the old structure named ‘edificio españa’ had been neglected for years, when in 2017 curio collection by hilton, recovered the property, in order to restore and rejuvenate it with a new function.

all images courtesy of rafael gamo

the name and concept for ‘hotel umbral’ by nomah and JSª emerges from a specific architectural element: each room within the building has a threshold (‘umbral’ in spanish). this spatial repetition generates interesting aesthetic effects between the different areas and builds a cohesive discourse that brings past and present together. meanwhile, the overall design preserves the authentic character of the structure and benefits from its unique surrounding corridors, to define the functionality of the architectural program.

the interior is decorated with versatile furnishing that draws inspiration from 1920s functionalism. in the common areas, the furniture can be used in different ways to transform the space into multifunctional office/workspace or leisure rooms. all pieces have a modern, delicate appearance that can accentuate and harmonize any room.

the hotel is designed to encourage guests to experience and experiment with their senses, guiding them from dark to light; from city bustle to tranquility. upon crossing the gold-framed threshold, visitors meet a dark and mysterious contemporary common room. on the other hand, in the private rooms, a bright, luminous, and fresh sleeping area awaits. following the same approach, the bathing furniture is designed to stand out with a dark, clean, minimalist design. 

the contemporary living environment generates a scenographic atmosphere, where both public and intimate areas enclose the senses. ‘hotel umbral’ adds to the richness and uniqueness of mexico city, offering a kinesthetic experience that brings the past and the present together.

project info:

name: hotel umbral
architecture office: JSª, nomah
lead architect: javier sánchez
lead designer: laura natividad, dania gutiérrez
project team: carlos mar, alejandra monter, rodrigo álvarez, samuel torres, anuar portugal, gabriela gonzález, karen osorio, rebeca yáñez
furniture manufacturer: electrón 14
developer: compañía origen inmuebles
location: mexico city  

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom