Located in the coastal region of La Punta Zicatela, often referred to as the ‘international capital of surfing’, in the south of Puerto Escondido, Mexico, Casa TO draws inspiration from the past to create a boutique hotel with a singular design identity.
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Designed by French architect Ludwig Godefroy, Casa TO is more akin to an ancient temple than it is a conventional surf hotel. Composed of nine suites—six on the ground floor with a private garden and three upstairs with a terrace and outdoor bath—Casa TO is intended to provide a destination for visitors to experience a “state of total contemplation.”
Drawing inspiration from the pyramids built thousands of years ago by cultures such as the Maya and Mexica, as well as the historical hydraulic works of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul and the Hornsey Wood Reservoir in Finsbury Park, London, Casa TO is rendered in concrete and adroitly blends brutalism with surrealist design language. Repeated circular forms and cascading steps create an interplay between public and private spaces. Interior spaces open up to the sky, while the heft of the concrete walls simultaneously encourages feelings of safety.
Sustainability is woven into the design of Casa TO, with solar panels used to generate electricity, a greywater treatment system allowing for wastewater to be recycled, and a zero-plastics policy.
At the heart of Casa TO is its covered infinity pool and solarium, the former defined by rectilinear lines and exposed concrete while the latter uses thoughtful delineation to create privacy in each area. The adjacent structure houses the hotel suites, with the use of steel, clay, and locally sourced parota wood joining the abundance of concrete.
“The rooms have an underground ambiance, with their double-high layout that flows to either an elevated open-air garden or expands into a terrace and a pool; my interpretation of an onsen that allows for nighttime views of the stars,” said Godefroy of the design. Complemented by lush greenery, it boasts a surprising warmth while acting as a serene respite from the lively atmosphere of the coastal town.
Combining brutalism with a temple-like approach to design, Casa TO instils a sense of reverence in its visitors, showcasing that the natural and man-made worlds can co-exist in harmony.
Words by Theo Rosen
Images courtesy of Levi Wells
