More than just a renovation, Las Torres Patagonia is currently undergoing a complete reinvention. The hotel begins a new chapter in the Magallanes Region, bringing together the warmth of its family history with contemporary architecture that fits seamlessly into the landscape of Torres del Paine.
The centerpiece of this new era is the forthcoming Galpón Restaurant. Standing close to nine meters tall and spanning nearly 2,000 square meters, the space is designed to evoke a traditional Patagonian barn. It follows the same spatial logic, but with high-end materials and a design that embraces its surroundings.
“We’re building a whole new version of the hotel, not just a simple upgrade. The original structure is being preserved, but what we are creating is something completely different,” explains Pedro Kovacic, the architect behind the project.
“The inspiration comes from traditional barns, but brought into the 21st century. It’s a space nestled deep in Patagonia, with a contemporary style that’s both respectful and cohesive,” he adds.
A living design
The main hall features exposed wooden beams. The open kitchen is visible from every angle and integrated with matching wooden panels and large bronze light fixtures. The hall is enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows with an interior iron framework that creates a “cage-like” feeling: contained, while still allowing the landscape to make its presence felt.
The most striking features include: a wine cellar backed by antique wooden beams with a central white table to showcase the wine; a fireplace area featuring a life-size bronze horse and cart from France; and a space enclosed with black-framed windows dedicated to spit-roasted lamb. The bar is set against an antique blue cabinet with aged mirrors, and white fabric canopies subtly divide the hall without closing it off. The tables are topped with white quartz in the buffet area and feature Dekton surfaces in various designs throughout the rest of the room.
The interior designer, Enrique Concha, sums it up as follows: “It’s a truly unique project that shows respect for the architecture. There is an obsessive attention to detail. From the lamps to the tables, everything has to fit in with the overall look.”
“This level of consistency is ultimately the key to creating a memorable experience—and something that has the potential to set a higher standard,” he adds.
Tradition and future in Magallanes
This transformation is part of a larger plan. The foundations have been laid and the metal frame is currently under construction.
In the long term, the project plans to renovate the stables; build a tower with a spa on the upper floors; create a second lobby to ease foot traffic within the hotel; and open an Interpretive Center dedicated to the history of the founding family, local biodiversity, and the geology that makes Torres del Paine so unique.
With this project, Las Torres Patagonia is not only upgrading its infrastructure, it is also developing an architectural style with its own distinct character, rooted in local traditions, and aimed at making the hotel a benchmark for design and hospitality in the far south of the world.