WaterWalk
Set against the backdrop of Arizona’s high desert just off a well-traveled highway, the WaterWalk Hotel concept was envisioned as a site-specific hospitality experience that blended the nostalgia of mid-century roadside motels with a modern design sensibility.
This was not intended to be a destination resort—it was a purposeful pause. Our team reimagined the travel stop as a brief but meaningful experience grounded in its environment. The design offered a lodging alternative that invited travelers to slow down, stretch out, and connect with the landscape. With limited surrounding development, the concept had to create a true sense of place.
Public areas were designed to foster connection while maintaining an effortless feel. The open-air lobby created seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, while second-story patios and lounges provided panoramic desert views. Amenities like the breakfast lounge, bar, and communal recreation zones enhanced utility without overwhelming the guest experience.
Inspired by the classic motor court layout, the site maximized openness and embraced the surrounding desert and mountain scenery. Guest room buildings were oriented to these views, with parking situated toward the highway and public spaces forming a transparent core. Open-air circulation paths encouraged interaction with the environment from the moment of arrival. Guest rooms prioritized functional comfort over extravagance. Long sightlines and strategically placed windows provided immersive views, offering guests a place to rest, reflect, and reset.
Materiality took cues from the tones and textures of the region—weathered stone, rust-hued surfaces, and muted desert neutrals. From exposed concrete ceilings to naturally ventilated corridors, the architecture was shaped by climate responsiveness and grounded simplicity. Framed views, filtered light, and shaded forms balanced beauty with utility.
What set the WaterWalk concept apart was its sensitivity to place. It was not a one-size-fits-all prototype but a custom response to Winslow’s unique character and desert climate. Each element, from orientation to amenities, served that vision.
While the WaterWalk Hotel was never realized, its design continues to inform our process and perspective. It stands as a reference point in our hospitality portfolio—and a testament to the lasting value of purpose-driven hospitality design.