In an era when many firms equate luxury with scale, Lucila Aguilar & Esteve Arquitects bring forward a different vision, one rooted in ecological sensitivity and cultural depth. Their work has earned global acclaim, culminating in recognition among the TOP 100 Architects of the World by Luxury Lifestyle Awards. This distinction underscores not only the firm’s design talent but also its ability to redefine what modern hospitality and sustainable construction can achieve.

A New Language of Luxury

Based in Mexico City, the studio has developed a signature character that bridges art, science, and environmental consciousness. Their widely celebrated Cocoon Project serves as a compelling illustration of this philosophy. Confronting the long-standing divide between luxury and sustainability, the firm proposes a model where comfort and ecological responsibility coexist without compromise. Their approach is not decorative but intentional, shaped by research, material understanding, and a profound respect for the natural world.

The Cocoon Project recently earned recognition as Best Luxury Sustainable Hotel Architecture in Mexico from Luxury Lifestyle Awards. It has become a defining milestone for the studio, signalling a shift in how the global market interprets sustainable hospitality.

The Cocoon Project: A Vision That Grows

At its core, the Cocoon system is a modular, prefabricated, and demountable bamboo suite concept. It is engineered for flexibility, designed to scale from a single room to an entire eco-hotel. Each Cocoon is created with minimal site impact and maximum energy efficiency, allowing hospitality developers to create experiences that blend seamlessly into surrounding landscapes.

The use of bamboo is not symbolic. It is a central element of the firm’s regenerative design ethos. With remarkable durability, rapid renewability, and a naturally warm aesthetic, bamboo becomes both structure and narrative. The Cocoon’s curved geometry and tactile surfaces invite guests to slow down, inhabit the environment, and connect more deeply with nature.

This commitment to harmonizing architecture with the earth was highlighted by Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, who noted that the Cocoon Project exemplifies how thoughtful design can fuse comfort, sustainability, and cultural identity.

International Recognition and Impact

The Cocoon Project’s influence extends beyond its hospitality function. It has been exhibited at Time Space Existence during the Biennale di Venezia, where it reinforced its status as a forward-thinking model for regenerative construction. Its recognition as Best Sustainable Hotel Architecture in Mexico 2025 further validated the project’s combination of beauty, innovation, and responsible engineering.

What sets the project apart is its multidimensional purpose. It is not only an architectural solution but a tool for environmental stewardship, guest experience, and community engagement. In a market eager for sustainable alternatives, the Cocoon system demonstrates what is possible when creativity is paired with ecological empathy.

A Studio Driven by Purpose

The philosophy guiding the firm is clear: architecture must serve the earth. This belief informs every stage of their process. The team blends ancestral knowledge with advanced parametric tools, merging craftsmanship with precision. Whether designing a single module or an entire development, the goal remains the same: to produce architecture that heals, inspires, and uplifts.

Their work is anchored by values such as curiosity, intentional beauty, and love of nature. These values are not slogans but active principles evident in their material choices, spatial compositions, and long-term sustainability objectives.

The leadership of Lucila Aguilar and Jorge Esteve Aguilar strengthens this foundation. Their combined experience across disciplines and continents, from Bali to New York to Mexico, enriches the studio’s global perspective while staying grounded in cultural integrity and environmental respect.

The Future of Regenerative Luxury

Lucila Aguilar & Esteve Arquitects are shaping a new chapter in hospitality, one where modular systems, regenerative materials, and bioclimatic intelligence redefine the guest experience. Their work proves that luxurious environments do not need to dominate nature; they can elevate it.

As hospitality developers seek innovative, scalable, and environmentally conscious solutions, the Cocoon Project stands as a model for what the future of sustainable tourism can become.

To learn more, visit  https://lucilaaguilar.com/.