This is how architect Javier Vergara defines his seal, who with projects such as Hotel Desértica in San Pedro de Atacama or Hotel Bidasoa in Vitacura, also surprises with Hotel Río Serrano, an unusual project for Torres del Paine. Inspired by European mountain hotels, respecting the environment and using local labor, it is a perfect union between architecture and nature.
By María Inés Manzo C. / Photograph Matucho Castillo, courtesy of Javier Vergara.
“This is a very particular hotel that attracts a lot of attention not only for its spectacular view of the Paine Massif, but also for its large size, with more than a hundred rooms and common areas. Unlike other hotels in the area, it is not inside the Torres del Paine National Park, but is located on the other side of the Serrano River. So, from its origin, it had no architectural limitations,” says architect Javier Vergara Delorenzo.
Considered the best five-star tourist complex in Torres del Paine by Chile Adicto Hoteles, it is a family project by the builder Jaime Arancibia Tagle, which began in 2002 as an inn for twenty people and in slightly more extreme conditions. At that time, access was only available through Cerro Castillo and it was necessary to cross the entire park and raft the river to reach the site. “Years later, in 2008, a direct access through Puerto Natales was enabled and the inn grew to a hotel (in a first stage with the architect Joaquín Fernández), with a family concept, but always with the intention of making improvements. So, in 2018, I joined the project for a new expansion”.
From Desértica to Río Serrano, what were the architectural challenges?
Opposite challenges, both in terms of architecture, concept and environment, which are literally north-south. Both were built, more or less, at the same time. In 2016, we were building the Hotel Bidasoa in Vitacura, Santiago, when the interior designer, Katherine Rahal, invited me to participate in Desértica and Río Serrano, two projects that needed support with the architecture.
In the case of Desértica, actor Jorge Zabaleta had started with a pizzeria, then moved on to some rooms and needed to finish and operate the hotel. For Río Serrano, it was necessary to upgrade which included a spa with a gym, massage rooms, sauna and a large indoor swimming pool. Something very new and unthinkable for Torres del Paine. It was very challenging and fun to work in such an extreme scenario. A very good team was put together.
On the other hand, at Hotel Río Serrano there are no electricity, gas or water problems, and this has allowed us to take the project further (and to constantly update it), but always hand in hand with energy efficiency and sustainability solutions. The fact that resources exist does not mean that they are wasted, on the contrary. There is a constant concern for the environment and optimizing the operation.
What type of wood was used in the hotel?
Jaime Arancibia came up with the idea of recovering some enormous lenga wood bases, because an old bridge fell into the Weber River. As a result, the entire interior lining of the Spa is made of lenga. Of course, the key here has been the local push, very experienced people who know how to deal with this type of material.
One thing that stands out are its austere rooms...
Yes, we play with that concept, but they should be very comfortable spaces, with few elements and neutral colors. In the hotel world, the new luxury is not the amount of things your room has, but what the experience gives you. In this case, an unparalleled view in an amazing environment. I try to include in all my projects, mainly in the houses, the concepts of the hotel industry, in relation to the experience and comfort.
AGOSTINI
“It is very curious how the behavior of tourists visiting Torres del Paine has been changing. Years ago, it was focused on hikers who went to tour the park and arrived at the hotels to rest. But today it is not just a destination to come to sleep, but to relax, spend the day in the hotel, enjoy the landscape and the environment. Therefore, here the spa was key, and today it is one of the great attractions. Being immersed in heated water with an unobstructed view of the towers is priceless. The huge wooden windows were designed precisely to enjoy nature and not miss anything, something that is also repeated in the rooms facing the massif. It is not uncommon to see horses running freely through the grounds.
Another important remodeling was the bar...
That's right, under this same concept of enjoying the hotel's services, last year we remodeled the bar, which used to be a small space designed for the return of expeditions. When that happens, people want to have a beer, a coffee and plan the next day's excursions or comment on what they saw. That's how we came up with the idea of creating the Agostini bistro, with a menu different from the main restaurant, with different food and ambience, much more intimate and close.
While it was closed for the season, a fully equipped kitchen and cold chambers were built. This is what people don't see, but it is key to its operation. That's why in the decoration and interior design, by Katherine Rahal, the idea was to present a very cozy, yet austere concept, inspired by mountain life. With wooden elements and cladding, and exposed latticed ropes. All these details are a form of homage to the explorer Alberto de Agostini, who made numerous expeditions in the area in the early twentieth century.
Will there be further remodeling?
Yes, the new spa terrace is already being planned. A space to live another type of outdoor experience that will give you much more value. In general, the terraces are perfect for enjoying the view, the natural environment and outdoor activities.
What is the invitation to Chilean tourists?
To dare to enjoy yourself in your own country. This type of high standard hotels used to be unattainable, only for gringos or Europeans, but the truth is that the offer has changed a lot and they have become more convenient than vacationing abroad.
What do you think is your hallmark as an architect?
For me it is very important to have the sensitivity to give value to the project, according to the assignment and the place, which is what is really needed. That is why I feel very much reflected with the phrase “anonymous architecture”, of author. This refers to challenging oneself as a professional and putting the assignment at the center, always looking for the best solution and leaving ego aside. Thus design is a versatile tool to solve each project according to its own needs. This does not pigeonhole me and allows me to move all over Chile.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
Client: Hotel Río Serrano
Hotel area: 1,200 m2
SPA area: 600 m2
Year: 2018
Status: Built
Location: Serrano River, Torres del Paine, Magallanes Region.
Hotel architect: Joaquín Fernández
Architect SPA and hotel interiors: Javier Vergara Delorenzo
