28 Nov Corten Steel Spotted in Los Cabos
When visiting Zadún a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Los Cabos, Mexico, one can not only enjoy breathtaking ocean views, extraordinary culinary experiences, unforgettable adventures, unparalleled relaxation and wellness offerings, but also admire unique applications of corten steel.
Zadún’s architectural design
Pablo Blasco Hernández, Fernando de Haro Lebrija, and Jesús Fernández Soto of ABAX Arquitectos led the architectural project along with Bertha Figueroa Pacheco as the
conceptual phase co-architecture leader. The central concept of Zadún’s architectural design is based on the idea that its buildings blend in with the desert and that spaces flow from nature to the interior, and from the interior to nature.
“Our intention, from the beginning of the project, was to pay homage to the desert, connecting with the true feeling of the place, through simple and elegant architectural elements,” said architect Fernando De Haro, partner of ABAX. “To do this, we sought to integrate the materials belonging to the site both in the buildings and in the outside environment.”
Don Riddle Images
The site where Zadún was developed is located on a hill behind two large dunes in front of the ocean, offering spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez. To take advantage of this condition, the master plan was solved based on 40 two-level buildings, which contain three suites each scattered on the ground, allowing not only privileged views, but also privacy and the feeling that each room has a unique and specific ambience.
“Zadún’s design offers a well-orchestrated composition of simple and balanced volumes, with the use of symmetries and delicate elegance,” said architect Pablo Blasco, also a partner at ABAX. “The use of large horizontal planes and walls give the impression that the buildings emerge from the desert, so we were very careful that all used materials were consistent with the site, thus using regional stone, steel, wood, plaster and marble, in a range of shades going from brown and ocher, to sand. It was also decided to make large black overhangs to accentuate the shadows produced by the unique light of the Baja California desert.”
Corten steel spotted at Zadún
Corten steel offers both practical and aesthetically-pleasing benefits making it an excellent material choice for exterior structures. The patina layer that corten steel develops as it is exposed to weather not only protects the structure against corrosion, but also yields a rustic texture and orange-brown color that blends well in desert environments. ABAX used corten steel, or weathering steel, as one of the many materials meant to remain consistent with the resort’s environment, for two different applications:
Cabeza: A corten steel sculpture
One application is a corten steel sculpture designed by the Spanish artist Arturo Berned, which is located in the access area of the main building. Berned used 6mm-10mm-thick corten steel plates to fabricate the stunning, 8,146-pound sculpture.
Don Riddle Images
Don Riddle Images
Candil: A bar/restaurant wrapped in corten steel lattice
The second application of corten steel is a lattice designed by Spanish artist Jesús Jáuregui. The corten steel lattice wraps a triple height cube where the main bar is located. At the heart of the resort, this structure stands as the icon and great beacon of light that gives Zadún presence and identity.
Don Riddle Images
Don Riddle Images
As a corten steel supplier, Central Steel Service enjoys admiring the various ways architects and artists choose to use corten steel.
Contact Central Steel Service Inc. for Corten Steel
Established in 1981, Central Steel Service, Inc. specializes in the distribution of high strength weathering, high strength and abrasion resistant steel products like the material used in the two elements described above. We understand that the unique applications demanding these specialty products require the utmost attention to quality and material trace-ability. We strive to provide exceptional service while supplying your steel needs and facilitating the success of your company. Contact us today!