TEOCALLI | BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Teocalli, a term of Nahuatl origin associated with the concept of a sacred enclosure, emerges from the reinterpretation of two architectural expressions deeply rooted in its context: the monumentality of the pyramids of Teotihuacán and the colonial architecture of San Martín de las Pirámides. The project explores the integration of these influences through a contemporary architectural approach that recovers the cultural identity of the site and transforms it into a spatial experience. The architectural composition draws inspiration from the stepped platforms of pre-Hispanic pyramids, creating an interplay of volumes, terraces, and balconies that establish a continuous visual connection with the surrounding landscape. The staircase takes on a prominent role as both a sculptural element and an organizing feature of the project. Beyond its functional purpose, it represents a transition between spaces and a symbolic reinterpretation of the concept of ascension found in pre-Hispanic architecture. The material palette reinforces this identity through the use of natural stone, stucco, and pigmented plaster finishes, establishing a dialogue between the solidity of ancestral constructions and the expression of contemporary architecture. Garden of the Vestiges | Memory and Identity As an integral part of the architectural proposal, the Garden of the Vestiges is conceived as a space for reflection on historical memory and the cultural transformations of the territory. The intervention begins with the preservation of an ancient water basin discovered on the site, incorporating it as a physical testimony to the structures that once occupied the land. This historical remnant becomes a defining element of the landscape, establishing a tangible connection between the past and the new architecture. The garden is complemented by a sculptural installation inspired by Quetzalcóatl, conceived as a symbolic representation of the pre-Hispanic deity devouring the Spanish Conquest. Its organic, enveloping geometry contrasts with the solidity of the surrounding stone walls, metaphorically expressing the endurance of Mesoamerican identity in the face of historical and cultural transformation. Elevated glass platforms positioned above a bed of volcanic stone introduce an experience of lightness and contemplation. Their transparency reveals the natural material beneath, creating the sensation of floating above the landscape while strengthening the relationship between visitors, architecture, and the site’s historical memory. The garden is therefore conceived as an immersive spatial experience in which sculpture, archaeological remnants, and natural materials create a narrative that extends beyond conventional landscape design. Project Synthesis The result is a boutique hospitality project that transforms historical memory into a contemporary architectural experience, where culture, landscape, and spatial composition converge to establish a distinctive identity. Teocalli does not seek to reproduce the architecture of the past, but rather to reinterpret its meaning through a contemporary expression that acknowledges history, preserves its traces, and establishes new ways of inhabiting the territory.