Header: Courtesy of Giannia Torres Vargas and Agélica Rodríguez Matamoros
Casa Artisela is a proposed Bed & Breakfast located in the historic center of Moroleón, Guanajuato, developed by students Giannia Torres Vargas and Agélica Rodríguez Matamoros from the Universidad De Monterrey. The two talented students were awarded the Student Prize in Interior Design—Bed & Breakfast at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards for their work, which entails the restoration of an ancient property.
Reuse and Restoration
The project centers on the adaptive reuse and restoration of a heritage property protected by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH). By bringing the structure back to life, the designers hope to fix the irregular tourism patterns in the region. Revitalizing a historic building can help promote sustainable tourism and preserve local heritage.
The proposal is based on extensive research, supported by data from institutions such as INAH and INEGI and complemented by direct surveys and interviews with local residents and stakeholders. The design concept merges traditional architecture with modern elements, resulting in a functional yet culturally respectful space that reflects the history of Moroleón while still catering to the needs of modern travellers.
The interior design
At the center of the structure is a wide and open courtyard, which serves as a communal gathering space. A large tree and other greenery help soften the space, surrounded by the restored stone archways and tiled flooring, which preserve the courtyard’s original architectural identity. Carefully arranged seating welcomes guests in, creating a bubbly and comfortable shared social space right in the heart of the B&B.
The guest rooms are designed to offer the simplicity and rustic charm that the town is known for. They combine exposed stone walls, custom wooden furniture, and a neutral colour palette. Soft lighting and natural textures help construct a tranquil ambiance where guests can relax after a day of strolling around the antique streets of Moroléon.
The café, in contrast, introduces a more contemporary aesthetic, with pink pastel tones, decorative tiles, and suspended pendant lights making it a more than Instagrammable spot. Here, guests can not only have their breakfast in peace but also socialise in a very stylish atmosphere.
A step outside
The outdoor pool area completes the experience, allowing guests to cool off in the summer and relax in the winter. Surrounded by stone walls and complemented by modern lounge furniture and hanging hammocks, the pool area maintains the integration of natural elements with modern amenities that we have seen throughout the rest of the B&B.
Casa Artisela’s design prioritises sustainability by incorporating recycled materials and energy-efficient solutions. Furthermore, the project follows INAH’s restoration guidelines to maintain the building’s structural and historical integrity, showing the designers’ care for protecting both the cultural value of the site and the natural environment of Moroleón.
