La Tierra Nica
Nicaragua,
Central America
4th year | Spring 2020
Category: Hospitality Design
Duration: 4 months
Skills: Revit, Lumion, Photoshop, InDesign, Hand Rendering, FF&E Selection, PowerPoint, Space Planning
Outstanding Fourth Year Studio Performance Award
CONCEPT
The goal for this project was to design a resort in a location I was randomly assigned. When designing a new space, I believe it's about where you are heading, not where you already are today. So for this resort, it meant that a new sustainable concept needed to be implemented in a given building that did not fit in the standard architecture of the country.
The new resort will be forged with the vision to build an immersive environment through interactive experiences and connections with the local community. Rooted in the endless jungle of Nicaragua, the concept for the hotel will be driven by the country’s landscape and its desire to grow. The majestic volcanic landscape will inspire the project and will focus on raising the country from the ashes using Nicaragua’s natural resources to serve the local economy and add to the guest experience. Anchored in Nicaragua’s history, volcanoes have erupted numerous times in the past years, causing Leon, the old capital, to fall into ruins.
The new design will portray a warm color palette & honesty of materials and will embody Nicaragua’s natural beauty, simplicity, and burning spirit. Iconic shapes will create focal points representative of Nicaragua’s landmarks and will serve as a guiding system throughout the space. Accents of colors will spark the interior, creating a sense of joy as one travels through Nicaragua’s tropical terrains. The local landscape will be implemented into the hotel, mixing subtle patterns and materials that will give layered depth to visitors’ senses. The overall design will trigger visitors to go out and explore Nicaragua’s treasures. With the construction of the new resort, symbolic connections and experiences will be created. Visitors, locals, and Nicaragua’s environment will merge to ensure the longevity of the flora and fauna and the prosperity of the country’s economy
TOPOLOGY / LOCATION
The hotel will be strategically located to place visitors at the heart of a typical Nicaraguan experience. World-class excursions to nearby villages, rum factories, and major volcanoes will be offered in the lobby of the hotel to spark the curiosity of new arrivals (Lonely Planet).
ABOUT NICARAGUA
The site for the resort will be based in Nicaragua on the periphery of the city center, Managua.
Located in Central America, Nicaragua is known for its tropical climate and exotic landscapes. Tourism has become one of the city’s leading industries drawing people to its numerous volcanos, lakes, and cultural life (Arguello, 2019).
ECONOMY
Known as the second poorest country in the Americas, Nicaragua’s economy has caused many locals to migrate to Costa Rica or Panama to find jobs and bring money back to their families. Tourism plays a significant role in the country’s economy and has been increasing by 10% every year for the past decade (Freyer, 2019).
SITE SUMMARY
The site location for the proposed hotel is located at 12°01’07” N 86°11’24” W.
The hotel’s site is strategically placed to favor both adventurous excursions and local culture without disturbing its natural surroundings.
Other advantages include proximity to major public transportation access and the capital, Managua.
Restaurants, car rentals, and other amenities are not abundant near the site and in the country overall. Therefore, the new hotel will become a safe point of resources for visitors to eat, travel, and shop all in one place.
ENLARGED SITE | BUILDING ACCESS
BUILDING SECTION
HOTEL BRAND AND DEVELOPMENT
SUSTAINABLE PROCESS
Hotel Developer
La Tierra Nica belongs to Club Med, the world leader in all-inclusive premium vacations for families and active couples around the world
Local Contribution
Following Club Med’s philosophy, La Tierra Nica will offer a variety of food options and activities, in and outside of the resort, creating numerous jobs to favor local employment. With the intention to work as much as possible with local partners, producers, and distributors, more than 80% of the resort’s purchases will be brought from local suppliers. Club Med villages are designed to benefit the entire community through the share of knowledge and skills.
Promoting an appreciation for nature and its benefits is one of the founding principles of Club Med. For this reason, routinely incorporating an eco-friendly approach and standards into construction projects is key to maintaining its success.
Environment Report
-Natural light penetration deep in the building
-Natural ventilation
-Rainwater collection
-Graywater recycling
-Water efficiency plumbing fixtures
Renewable Energies
Eco Construction
Recycling
77% of Club Med Resorts are GREEN GLOBE certified for sustainable tourism
STACKING DIAGRAMS
• Public areas are grouped on the three lower floors, while residential areas are grouped on the last three levels.
• Food and beverages are grouped in the west wing, assuring proximity between the two kitchens.
• Each guestroom and suites are strategically located so that nature is visible from their balconies.
FURNITURE AND FINISHES
For this project, materials will be used to create a dialogue between the building and its environment. Textured finishes will be used to represent the age of time present in Nicaragua and its natural beauty. Most furniture will use 100% recyclable content by primarily focusing on raw materials. The new design will orient itself towards an eco-friendly palette and will use natural finishes such as adobe plaster (a mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water) to create timeless designs resistant to humidity. The color palette for the hotel will capitalize on earthy and pure tones such as browns and beige. Pops of colors will spark the interior, representative of Nicaragua’s colorful culture and adventurous travelers’ spirit.
FLOOR PLANS
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
PERSPECTIVES | L2
THE BREEZEWAY
LEVEL 2
Upon entering the hotel, a fresh breeze and an infinite view of Nicaragua’s mountains immerses visitors into a refreshing and calming state of mind. Imagine yourself at the heart of a natural refuge, reserved for adventurers and nature lovers. The breezeway provides guests with a sense of mystery and excitement as they travel through Nicaragua’s historic sanctuary.
LOBBY
LEVEL 2
Moving deeper in the space, the design remains simple yet tropical. Exotic patterns typically found in colonial architecture have been replaced by organic shapes created by materials themselves along with their shadows.
LA SELVA
LEVEL 2
Enjoy unique culinary experiences
at one of the 3 restaurants offered
at the hotel. La Selva is where local traditions meet modernity in a peaceful indoor-outdoor setting. The open-air dining immerses guests in Nicaragua’s colonial architecture including local cement tiles and teak. The 3-course meal restaurant enhances local produce and delivers dishes with colorful and bold flavors.
FLOOR PLANS
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 4
PERSPECTIVES | L3
THE PEAK
LEVEL 3
At the Peak lounge, exotic juices and specialty cocktails can be appreciated at any time of the day. Located on the far east wing of the resort, the bar offers exquisite views on the lush rainforest and mountainous landscape of Nicaragua while favoring sustainable practices such as rainwater collection. This sustainable and tropical environment celebrates the festive spirit of the country through natural materials and exotic touches.
The arches have been inspired by Nicaragua Coat of Arm, which is part of their flag and has been gained to celebrate the country’s independence. Within this emblem, the sun rays represent the country’s bright future.
Overall, the environment promotes positivity and joy allowing the sun to shine deep in the space.
SPA LOUNGE
LEVEL 3
After a day full of adventure, guests can relax in the hotels’ serene sanctuary. The spa brings visitors even closer to the wildlife and invites them in a tropical peaceful setting on the edge of Nicaragua’s mountain cliff where 5 different experiences await in the spa’s private suites.
FLOOR PLANS
LEVEL 5
LEVEL 6
PENTHOUSE VIDEO | L6
AXON VIEW
LEVEL 6
Each suite will be categorized by theme and will embody Nicaragua's characteristics. The Penthouse will welcome a family of explorers to seek refuge in one of the resort’s most breathtaking suites. Located on the 6th floor of the building, the penthouse offers a panoramic view of the Masaya Volcano and includes unique features including private Jacuzzis, a full-size kitchen/bar, and an oversized walk-in showers on the edge of the mountain cliff. Here there is no extravagant décor, but rather delicately placed vases and local sculptures, glass and wood accents, a modern yet locally flavored space.
POOL DECK SECTION
The experience wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a full-scale natural playground.
Family Deck
0m
Adult Deck
4m
Walkway
2.3m
Pond
7.1m