Bamboo Temple Hotel | Arquitectura Mixta

Arquitectura Mixta has crafted the structures for the “Impression Isla Mujeres By Secrets” hotel, drawing inspiration from the project’s distinctive natural and geographical context. Situated at the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, near the Garrafon Natural Reef Park, the Bamboo Temple Hotel provides sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea on both sides, making it a unique destination where sunsets over this sea can be genuinely appreciated—setting it apart as one of the exclusive spots in Mexico offering this breathtaking view.

Bamboo Temple Hotel’s Design Concept

Arquitectura Mixta’s design of the 4 Bamboo structures at the Bamboo Temple Hotel embraces the lively hues of the Mexican Caribbean and the rich biodiversity it encompasses. While these structures vary in shape and size, they engage in a meaningful conversation, uniting them into a cohesive concept and a singular family. This unity is achieved through their gracefully undulating roofs, use of transparencies, incorporating fabrics, and the dynamic interplay of light and wind as they interact with the structures. The Bamboo Temple Hotel is not merely a collection of distinct elements but a harmonious ensemble where each structure contributes to a unified and aesthetically pleasing whole.

Arquitectura Mixta’s transformation for the Bamboo Temple Hotel involves the creation of 4 distinct structures, each serving a specific purpose. Atop the hotel, they introduced a structure named Ola, embodying the rhythmic waves of the sea. A bamboo DJ booth was also crafted, featuring a petite cover with columns resembling coral formations. These purposeful additions not only enhance the functionality of the Bamboo Temple Hotel but also contribute to its unique and immersive atmosphere.

Upon departing from the main pool area, guests encounter the Wet Bar on the ground floor of the Bamboo Temple Hotel. Positioned behind it is the Templo, representing the central and primary structure of the Bamboo Temple Hotel project. This main element takes inspiration from the Mexican Sea Slug (cyphoma gibbosum), known to inhabit the balmy waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The Templo not only serves as a key architectural feature but also pays homage to the vibrant marine life of the region, fostering a connection between the Bamboo Temple Hotel and its natural surroundings.

The Bamboo Temple Hotel drew inspiration from the Mexican Sea Slug, translating its undulating forms and vibrant patterns into a majestic structure. This imposing creation features 12-meter-high catenary arches that support cascading layers of bamboo fabrics. Concealed within this framework is a bamboo mobile system, activated by the wind, producing harmonious sounds emanating from the structure’s apex. The intricate Bio-Parametric style structures of the Bamboo Temple Hotel were meticulously crafted through sophisticated computational processes and the formulation of tailored algorithms, showcasing the fusion of nature-inspired design and cutting-edge technology.

Arquitectura Mixta harnessed advanced technology, exemplified by using Python, a programming language renowned in software and web development, to pioneer innovative design elements at the Bamboo Temple Hotel. Python was pivotal in crafting precise mathematical curves, capturing the essence of sea waves within the undulating roofs. Following this, sophisticated environmental analysis algorithms were employed, ensuring the adaptability of the structures to varying climatic conditions, including rain and solar radiation. These technological interventions, rooted in Python’s capabilities, guarantee the optimal comfort and performance of the Bamboo Temple Hotel structures in diverse weather scenarios.

Employing Galapagos, a tool operating on genetic optimization algorithms, Arquitectura Mixta elevated the Bamboo Temple Hotel’s structural design to optimal efficiency by pinpointing the most effective support points. While architects globally employ similar processes and technologies in conventional construction systems like concrete and metal, the groundbreaking aspect lies in the worldwide premiere of implementing these technologies in bioconstruction, marking a pioneering milestone for the Bamboo Temple Hotel.

Project Info:
Architects: Arquitectura Mixta
Area: 593 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Pacha Mother / Adrian Hernandez
Manufacturers: ETFE Films, Galápagos, Grasshopper, Ladybug, Parakeet, Python C, Rhinoceros 3D
Lead Architects : Javier Uma Creuheras, Luis Alejandro Cuesta
Project Management: Mauricio Casian
Main Architect: Mauricio Casian
Project Team: Claudia Vallejo, Alejandra Ibujés
Developer: Jorge Macari – JAM CAPITAL SAPI DE CV
Structural Engineer: Jokin Luisa
Construction: Arquitectura Mixta
Interior Design : Nadja Borras
City: Isla Mujeres
Country: Mexico