A striking contemporary architectural intervention has emerged in the Historic Center of Comitán de Domínguez, a designated Magical Town in southeastern Chiapas, Mexico. The Alicia House, designed by ALTOVA architects Roberto Torres Valle and Luis Alvarez, represents a thoughtful blend of modern design principles with traditional Mexican vernacular architecture, specifically created as premium accommodation for the Airbnb platform.
The 200-square-meter project, completed in 2024, demonstrates how contemporary architecture can successfully integrate into historic urban fabric while maintaining respect for local building traditions. The design team, including Nicolas Alvarez Jimenez, approached the project with a philosophy of reinterpreting vernacular architectural elements through a modern lens, creating a structure that feels both timeless and distinctly contemporary.
A key aspect of the Alicia House design is its incorporation of bioclimatic strategies that address the specific environmental conditions of the Chiapas region. These sustainable design elements work to balance energy efficiency with aesthetic appeal while ensuring low maintenance requirements for the property owners. The architects carefully considered the local climate patterns, solar orientation, and natural ventilation opportunities to create comfortable interior spaces without over-reliance on mechanical systems.
The project utilized high-quality materials and products from established Mexican manufacturers, including Vitro for glazing solutions, Cemex México for concrete and structural elements, Comex México for specialized coatings and finishes, Helvex for plumbing fixtures, Interceramic for ceramic and tile work, and Ternium for metal components. This deliberate selection of local suppliers reflects the architects' commitment to supporting regional industry while ensuring construction quality and long-term durability.
Photography by Cesar Belio and Roberto Torres Valle captures the successful integration of the contemporary structure within its historic urban context. The images reveal how the building's clean lines and modern materials create an appealing contrast with surrounding colonial architecture without appearing intrusive or inappropriate to the neighborhood's established character.
The Alicia House project represents a growing trend in Mexico's hospitality sector, where architects are finding innovative ways to create distinctive accommodation experiences that celebrate local architectural heritage while meeting contemporary comfort standards. By successfully balancing modern design principles with traditional building practices and sustainable technologies, ALTOVA has created a model for sensitive urban intervention in Mexico's historic city centers.
