Azul Nomeolvides: A Unique Sustainable Boutique Hotel on Bacalar’s Blue Lake

Located in a humid tropical climate on the shores of Bacalar Lake in Mexico, Azul Nomeolvides maintains the conservation of the natural environment as its primary focus and uses bioclimatic architectural principles to engage with its habitat.

Benefitting from the steep slope, the hotel is fragmented into small modules, consciously integrated with the natural terrain and maximizing lake views. The layout is over stepped levels, making it possible to limit the build footprint to 5% of the land and retain 95% of green or permeable area.

The cabana’s high roof isolates the living space from heat. The louver openings in the apex create a chimney effect, achieving cooler interiors as hot air rises.

The 60º roof inclination results in 60% to 90% lower heat gain by radiation than a flat roof. Its design also leans forward to prevent direct radiation on the south façade, while still permitting diffused natural light and generous lake views.

As part of the conservation commitment, all existing trees were preserved and the regeneration of endemic vegetation was central to recover from previous anthropogenic activities that had affected the area. Regional resources were prioritized during

procurement to ensure an ecofriendly symbiosis with the surroundings. The construction method on pilotis conserves the connectivity of ecosystems through the establishment of biological corridors, as well as a natural course for rainwater runoff, limiting erosion.

We live completely off grid, we produce 100% of our electricity, recycle all wastewater and take care of our own waste by composting the organics and minimizing the inorganics. We use only biodegradable and environment friendly products. 

The result is a permeable architecture in fluid conversation with the senses, the land, the air and the water that surrounds it.