General information:
The hotel chain Ritz-Carlton launched the Reserve concept, an exclusive brand of unique boutique resorts around the world, each with a distinctive personality and a sense of place. As the company explains, “The Reserve is for travelers seeking to discover a singular location and an incomparable resort that, through its design and services, has a distinctive personality that blends the culture, history, and heritage of its surroundings. The extension of the Reserve brand will distinguish itself from other award-winning resorts by offering guests handpicked exotic destinations and “hideaways” around the world.”
ASTYL participated in the manufacturing of the area called the “Beacon Bar,” which is an iconic element of the project that was designed to have a strong visual impact and be a focal point where all guests gather at any time of the day. The bar was designed by Abax Arquitectos and the sculptor Jesus Jauregui, who helped generate the concept of this element.
What was the client looking for?
As this was a coastal project, the client was looking for a durable material with high resistance to humidity, sun, strong winds, sand, and that did not require painting, varnishing, sealing, or repairing.
Regarding the architecture, the goal was to rescue elements from the site and cultural aspects of the locality. The reddish patina that develops on Corten Steel was one of the features that caught their attention to use in this application.
In the technical aspect, they were looking for a material that was not too heavy and that would not deform over time.
About the project:
At Astyl, we always aim to prioritize the architect’s initial concept above all else. Often, projects are destined to undergo changes for various reasons, and our methodology involves understanding the technical, aesthetic, and economic needs of the project to execute it as initially conceptualized.
What product was used?
The product used was the Lasion Perforated Panel, which is characterized by its freedom in shape and perforated design. These criteria were key to achieving the project’s design. This product range is recommended for projects with organic patterns or unconventional shapes.
In an interview with architect Pablo Blasco regarding the development of the project, he commented the following about the design inspiration: “We sought to bring the site there, within the original cultures of the Pericúes of Los Cabos and nearby, there are caves with rock art that are distinctive of the southern part of the Baja California peninsula. The caves and drawings are somewhat geometric and due to the type of stone in which they are carved, it is a reddish stone, an oxide color, and that was the beginning of the concept, the pattern, with orthogonal shapes, this lattice that allowed light to pass through behind it, and it goes back to the language of rock paintings.”
About the material:
Cor-Ten steel offers excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion and eliminates the need for protective coatings or paints, reducing maintenance costs almost to zero. Exposed to the weather, it develops a uniform and resistant patina. The patina, which consists of the oxides of its alloying elements, prevents the spread of corrosion.
In terms of aesthetics, it is a very noble material that ages wonderfully and looks better with time. The average maturation cycle period is approximately 12/24 months (varies by region).
