NCS Portfolio

Destination Venue. Spring 2025. Self-directed. Revit, Lumion, Illustrator.

This “modern hacienda”, with a scenic location in New Mexico’s high desert southeast of Santa Fe, provides a gathering space for large destination events such as weddings, conferences or retreats. With venue capacity for 200 guests, and overnight accommodation for up to 40 guests in 10 double rooms, the Hacienda continues the expansive hospitality of the past in a modern idiom.

Like its historic precedents, the Hacienda centers around a courtyard, the focal point of gatherings. To support “getting away from the crowd” for more intimate conversations, however, the courtyard is surrounded by eccentric breakout spaces (arcades, terraces and gardens) anchored by tall, enclosed volumes (lounges). The contrast between the intimate lounges and the expansive “flow space” provided by the courtyard and arcade defines the project’s design.

Below the main event level, 10 guestrooms lead out onto patios with expansive views of the desert to the northeast. The venue’s functions are supported by a full commercial kitchen and other support spaces. Total GFA: 18000 SF.

Guests approach the Hacienda from below, winding their way up the slope to the parking lot discretely tucked away behind the building. The Hacienda’s lounges and lanterns evoke the traditional architecture of the region, but the building’s materials and details are modern.

Guests enter from the parking lot on the upslope (southwest) side. The Hacienda appears as a low-profile collection of volumes, opening selectively to allow views out or visitors in.

Guests enter the building through a lobby space on the southwest side, which welcomes guests with a view out across the terrace to the landscape beyond.

The Courtyard is the Hacienda’s central hub, a reference point for the eccentric, differentiated activity of the lounges, the terrace, the gardens and the arcade. High walls are designed to give a sense of intimacy to the large space, and to catch and reflect low winter sun to provide light and warmth throughout the year. During the summer, the arcades surrounding the courtyard provide a respite from the intense sun.

Section through the northwest lounge, arcade, courtyard, lobby and southeast lounge; support spaces are located below in the podium.

The lounges are quiet spaces away from the buzz and chatter of the courtyard and the arcade. They provide a place for intimate conversations and relaxation.

Like the lounges, the dining room on the north corner hosts intimate meals and meetings away from the main crowd. Unlike the lounges, it offers expansive views of the landscape.

Section through the west garden, arcade, northwest lounge and dining room on Level 2, and the kitchen and guestrooms on Level 1. Lounges vary in height to give a different feel to each space.

Filling the space between lounges, gardens, terrace and courtyard, the arcade is an open flow space with eccentric corners for more intimate conversations. It is a break-out space for the courtyard.

On the eastern corner, the terrace opens up the Hacienda to an expansive panorama of New Mexico high desert, providing spectacular views and a backdrop for weddings and other events. The arcade can serve as additional seating space and the terrace can be opened up to become fully part of the flow space around the courtyard.

Section through the southwest lounge, arcade, courtyard and terrace, with support spaces and guestrooms below.

Overnighting guests enjoy spacious guestrooms on the lower floor, which can be reached by stair or by elevator from the arcade. Each room opens up to the exterior so that guests can enjoy the feel of the high desert from the comfort of their patio.

This “modern hacienda” puts a contemporary spin on the materials, organization and feel of traditional Southwestern architecture, offering guests a unique and memorable experience and a stunning backdrop for once-in-a-lifetime events.