Located in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, the LA OCA Eco-Hotel is a distinct blend of ecological consciousness and thoughtful design. Conceptualized by Luís De Garrido / Dream Green Architecture, the hotel aims to be both an inviting destination for pilgrims and an architectural statement in sustainable, self-sufficient hospitality. Inspired by the ancient game “Goose”, each room and feature within the hotel reflects a piece of the game’s symbolic journey, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for guests.
A Symbolic Space Rooted in History
The Camino de Santiago, long a route for spiritual pilgrimage, attracts travelers from all over the world. The LA OCA Eco-Hotel embraces this sense of journey and reflection by drawing inspiration from the game “Goose”, which has historical ties to the region and is associated with themes of destiny, risk, and discovery. The hotel’s two floors house a series of rooms, each representing a square of the game. Key rooms feature designs evoking themes like the labyrinth, the bridge, and even “death”—each crafted to offer a contemplative or mystical atmosphere. By linking each space to a piece of the game, the hotel not only serves as a place of rest but as an extension of the Camino’s reflective spirit.
Design for a Circular, Modular Future
One of the standout aspects of the LA OCA Eco-Hotel is its commitment to a circular lifecycle. Using modular and industrialized components, the hotel’s design allows for full disassembly and relocation. This approach extends beyond eco-friendly materials; it redefines sustainability in hospitality by emphasizing the reusability of its structure. This thoughtful approach to modular construction not only allows for reduced environmental impact but also means the hotel can be taken apart, transported, and reassembled elsewhere with ease. Essentially, the hotel could be seen as a “nomadic” structure, well-suited to the theme of pilgrimage and travel, adaptable to a wide variety of landscapes and needs.
Achieving Real Zero Energy Consumption
The LA OCA Eco-Hotel’s zero-energy design demonstrates an impressive feat in energy management and efficiency. By using natural heating and cooling principles, the building maintains a comfortable indoor climate without relying on traditional heating, air conditioning, or even artificial lighting systems. Its porous structure allows for natural ventilation, eliminating the need for mechanical devices. Additionally, a carefully calibrated photovoltaic system generates electricity, keeping the hotel’s power demands in check with a peak power cap at 15,000 watts, which is managed by a simple control system. This results in an actual zero-energy consumption, achieving sustainability in an economically efficient way, with the building using a modest 21.14 kWh/m², far below the regulatory standards for zero-energy buildings in many countries.
Self-Sufficient Water Management
Beyond energy, the LA OCA Eco-Hotel also strives for water self-sufficiency. Water is sourced from underground wells, rain, and the recycling of gray water, allowing the hotel to operate independently of municipal water supplies. Rainwater collection and advanced filtration methods ensure that water is used efficiently and sustainably. This closed-loop system aligns with the building’s minimal environmental footprint and ensures that the hotel remains largely autonomous, even in areas where water resources may be limited.
A Thoughtful Blend of Sustainability and Design
In all aspects of its design, from modularity to self-sufficiency, the LA OCA Eco-Hotel stands as a thoughtful response to the needs of environmentally-conscious travelers. Luís De Garrido and Dream Green Architecture have crafted a space that resonates with the symbolic journey of the Camino de Santiago, yet does so with an architectural emphasis on ecological balance and minimal impact. This unique approach to hospitality redefines what it means to create a sustainable, zero-energy hotel while keeping the spirit of the pilgrimage alive in its structure and purpose.
