In the heart of Medellín, 23 Hotel stands not only as a place to stay, but as an architectural statement. For travelers who love design, architecture, and construction, our hotel is a canvas where innovation meets tropical nature. We have conceived a space that goes beyond the functional, offering a sensorial and aesthetic experience that invites contemplation and inspiration.

Join us for a detailed tour of the concepts and materials that make 23 Hotel an icon of contemporary tropical architecture in the city. Discover how each element has been designed to connect guests with the vibrant and exuberant spirit of Medellín, transforming your stay into a true design immersion.

1. Tropical Inspiration at Height: When Nature Embraces Architecture

The most distinctive feature of 23 Hotel, and perhaps its greatest design statement, is the vertical integration of vegetation. Our building breaks with conventional facades by incorporating garden balconies on each floor. This profusion of vegetation is not merely decorative; it literally “flows” down the facades, creating a visual symphony between the concrete and the lush nature of the region.

This approach is inspired by the concept of “eco-brutalism,” where the solidity of concrete is softened and complemented by botanical life. Roof terraces and living terraces on different levels capture the essence of the urban tropics, allowing the city to breathe and offering guests a constant connection with the outdoors. This integration not only beautifies but also contributes to improving the building’s microclimate and acoustics, creating an oasis of tranquility amidst the urban energy.

2. Volumes and “Portholes”: A Retro-Modern Dialogue with Light

The façade of 23 Hotel is distinguished by the use of bold geometric volumes and the incorporation of unique circular windows, popularly known as “portholes.” These organic shapes break the linearity of the structure and establish a fascinating dialogue with the retro-modern architecture, evoking a sense of timelessness and sophistication.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these circular windows are not merely decorative elements. They act as strategic nodes of light, framing specific views of Medellín’s cityscape and allowing natural light to dynamically flood the interiors. This carefully managed light influx balances the sobriety of the exposed concrete, creating an interplay of light and shadow that adds depth and warmth to the spaces. They are, in essence, lenses that invite contemplation and a unique perspective of the surroundings.

3. Noble Materials and Authentic Textures: The Skin of the Hotel

The choice of materials at 23 Hotel is a statement of authenticity and respect for nature. The predominant use of noble materials in their purest form is that age gracefully and tell a story.

• Exposed Concrete: Exposed concrete, with its robustness and integrity, is a key feature in our common spaces and facades. This material not only provides a contemporary and industrial aesthetic, but also enhances the integration with the vegetation, creating a captivating visual contrast.
  
  
• Natural Wood: The warmth and life of natural wood are incorporated into architectural details, furniture, and paneling, providing an organic connection to the tropical environment and an unparalleled sense of comfort.
  
  
• Rustic Stone: Rustic stone elements add texture and an earthy touch, evoking local geology and the authenticity of craftsmanship.

In the interiors of the suites and social areas, earthy finishes and warm tones predominate. These colors are not random; they are inspired by the tropical sun and the rich Paisa culture, creating a welcoming, grounded, and deeply serene atmosphere. The color palette becomes a visual embrace that envelops guests in the atmosphere of Medellín.

4. Sensory Interior Design: An Experience for All the Senses

The interior design of 23 Hotel goes beyond the visual to offer a complete sensorial experience. From the moment you enter the lobby to the moment you relax in your suite, every detail is designed to stimulate your senses and promote a state of well-being.

• Handcrafted Furniture: Our common areas, including the lobby, combine carefully selected pieces of handcrafted furniture. These pieces, often crafted with natural fibers and local techniques, add character, authenticity, and a connection to the region’s artisanal craftsmanship.
  
  
• Integrated Vegetation: The presence of indoor plants of different sizes and textures reinforces the continuity of the exterior design with the interior, purifying the air and providing visual freshness.
  
  
• Strategic Golden Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role, with warm, golden lights used to create intimate and inviting atmospheres, highlighting textures and art, and evoking the light of a tropical sunset.
  
  
• Tactile Textures: The experience is enriched by the diversity of tactile textures: the subtle coolness of stone, the softness of linen upholstery, the warmth of wood beneath your feet. This tactile interaction with materials promotes presence and connection with the environment, transforming every corner into a delight to touch.

5. Contextual and Sustainable Design: A Dialogue with Medellín

The architectural design of 23 Hotel is not a standalone entity; it’s a conscious dialogue with its surroundings. Every design decision has been made with the unique characteristics of Medellín in mind:

• The Mountain Slope: The design adapts to the topography of the mountainous slope that embraces the city, integrating harmoniously into the urban landscape and taking advantage of the views.
  
  
• Medellín’s climate: The architecture responds to the privileged climate of “eternal spring,” optimizing cross ventilation and natural light to create fresh, bright spaces, reducing the need for artificial air conditioning.
  
  
• Cultural Roots: The use of local materials, the integration of craftsmanship, and the color palette evoke the Paisa cultural roots, honoring the identity of the region.

The extensive use of vegetation and living terraces is not only an aesthetic choice, but a commitment to the project’s functional and aesthetic sustainability (okdiario.com, reddit.com, https://www.google.com/search?q=uk.pinterest.com). These features contribute to biodiversity, water management, and carbon footprint reduction, making 23 Hotel a model of conscious and responsible luxury.

6. Fluid Spaces and Abundant Natural Light: Dialogue between Interior and Exterior

At 23 Hotel, the architecture seeks to eliminate barriers and foster a sense of fluidity between interior and exterior spaces.

• Large Windows: The presence of large windows not only maximizes the entry of natural light throughout the day, reducing dependence on artificial lighting, but also offers uninterrupted visual connections to the vibrant cityscape and surrounding nature.
  
  
• Green Terraces and Open Social Areas: The integration of green terraces and the design of open social areas allows air to flow freely and light to penetrate deep into the building. This openness, however, is intelligently designed to preserve guest privacy, creating intimate environments within the fluidity of the space. The visual connection with the exterior is constant, allowing the energy of Medellín to filter into the hotel in a harmonious and controlled manner.

What makes this architectural approach unique?

Our design is distinguished by a philosophy that transcends the conventional:

23 Hotel is not just a place to stay; it’s a living architecture: a contemporary exercise that masterfully fuses design innovation with the immutable essence of nature. Every detail, from the honest roughness of the concrete to the delicacy of the vegetation that embraces it, is designed to connect travelers with the authentic, tropical spirit of Medellín.