Mezquita Center Hotel in Córdoba (Spain)
The new Mezquita Center Hotel redefines the concept of architectural facades by combining the elegance of classical design with the performance of a contemporary building envelope.
Inspired by Haussmannian architecture, its symmetrical arches, prominent cornices and mansard roof evoke the character of the great Parisian boulevards.
Behind this timeless appearance, however, lies a state-of-the-art facade system designed to deliver durability, energy efficiency and exceptional precision in every architectural detail.
A building envelope designed as a complete system
One of the project's key decisions was to develop the entire facade using a single material: STONEO.
Its application extends far beyond the ventilated facade itself. STONEO was used to manufacture cornices, pilasters, mouldings, window surrounds, rosettes, capitals and other bespoke architectural elements, while also being incorporated into selected interior finishes.
This approach created a cohesive architectural language throughout the building, ensuring that every element works together both visually and technically.
Using a single material offers several important advantages:
- A consistent architectural identity across the facade and selected interior spaces.
- Outstanding durability against moisture, dirt and weathering, resulting in minimal maintenance requirements.
- A ventilated facade system that enhances both thermal and acoustic comfort while complying with the requirements of the Spanish Building Technical Code (CTE).
"We worked closely with ULMA's team to develop bespoke elements that met the architectural requirements of the project." Joaquín Sánchez Vázquez – Castelló Arquitectos
The result is a building envelope conceived as a fully integrated system, where material, design and performance come together in a single architectural solution.
STONEO: design freedom for bespoke architectural elements
The project was designed by Castelló Arquitectos, an architectural practice based in Córdoba.
Joaquín Sánchez Vázquez, one of the lead architects, highlights the role STONEO played in bringing the design concept to life:
"STONEO was a key material for the project. Its refined appearance and ability to withstand Córdoba's climate are complemented by the precision it offers when manufacturing arches, cornices and bespoke architectural elements. It gave us the freedom to develop every detail with complete accuracy, resulting in a facade that is both elegant and faithful to the original architectural vision."
He also emphasises the value of the collaborative process throughout the project:
"I would like to highlight our collaboration with ULMA's Architecture Office, which was instrumental to the project's success. We particularly appreciated the team's close support, flexibility and technical expertise. Together, we developed bespoke elements tailored to the architectural needs of the building. This collaboration enabled us to optimise details, shorten construction times and ensure the completed facade remained true to the original design concept."
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Classical architecture meets contemporary technology
The Mezquita Center Hotel demonstrates how classical architecture can be reinterpreted through modern construction technologies.
Its design preserves the proportions, rhythm and urban character of Haussmannian architecture while incorporating a facade system built with 21st-century materials and engineering solutions.
In this project, every ornamental feature also performs a technical function thanks to STONEO—the evolution of stone: lighter, stronger and more durable, developed to meet the demands of contemporary architecture.
The combination of architectural tradition and construction innovation makes the hotel a benchmark for updating historic design styles without compromising efficiency, sustainability or technical performance.
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At ULMA, we design and manufacture customised architectural solutions to overcome even the most complex facade challenges. Contact us here.
TECHNICAL DATA
PROJECT: Mezquita Center Hotel, Córdoba
DEVELOPER: Grupo Noga
ARCHITECT: Castelló Arquitectura
MAIN CONTRACTOR: Ferrovial Construcciones, S.A.
FACADE SOLUTION: STONEO Forms cornices, pilasters, window surrounds, rosettes and capitals, combined with STONEO Feel range, colour M24.
