A Diamond in the Valley

Located in the heart of the tranquil Limarí valley, Ovalle Casino and Hotel is an architectural testament that draws inspiration from ancient valley dwellers, crafting a haven of serenity amidst picturesque gullies.

Words by Joel Wong | Images courtesy of Felipe Díaz C.

Nestled 3 kilometres from Ovalle’s lively centre, the Ovalle Casino and Hotel, designed by the team at Turner Arquitectos, emerges as a tranquil haven in the Limarí valley. Drawing from ancient valley dwellers’ wisdom, this architectural marvel creates a sanctuary akin to natural gullies, offering serene indoor and outdoor spaces shielded from the outside world.

A majestic natural stone edge embraces the heart of the main building, intersected by a central, converging fissure. This choice not only provided structural support but also imbued the space with an undeniable sense of grandeur. It served as the cornerstone for the entire design, anchoring various components and orchestrating a symphony of forms within a square floor plan.

The team made a deliberate decision to leave the stone’s perimeter untouched, ensuring that the raw, unaltered essence of the natural material remained, a nod to the organic beauty of the valley. With this design, the team wanted to ensure that this monolithic structure exudes an illusion of being intricately carved from within, evoking a deep sense of connection to the earth.

The buildings, except the hotel, boast an airtight design, clad in local stones, echoing the rugged beauty of the Limarí Valley’s gullies. Each volume, with its unique form, subtly hints at the treasures within. The Casino and Ballroom share a single-floor expanse, accessible from opposite directions, crowned by a rooftop garden flourishing with the region’s iconic cacti. Across the central divide, the Hotel and Spa intertwine in an architectural dance, each speaking its own visual language while maintaining a welcoming essence.

The Hotel gleams with metallic cladding inspired by the geometric legacy of the Diaguita culture, evoking a Greca motif. In contrast, the Spa spans a series of enclosed volumes, housing heated pools and rejuvenating chambers, culminating in an inviting outdoor oasis. At the pathway’s terminus stands the Diaguita Museum, a monumental cube crafted from exposed board concrete, bathed in zenithal streams of natural light, embodying the spirit of this extraordinary creation.

The Ovalle Casino and Hotel is a symphony of nature and architecture, standing as a beacon of artistry and tranquillity. The team at Turner Arquitectos have designed something more than just a structure, but rather built a testament to harmonious design, seamlessly woven into the very fabric of the valley’s history and landscape.

About Turner Arquitectos

Turner Arquitectos is an architecture and design studio boasting several decades of experience within the Chilean industry. Having recently expanded its horizons, the studio has now established a new branch in Madrid, Spain. With an important track record in Chile, Turner Arquitectos has left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape.

Throughout its journey, the studio has consistently strived to shape the very essence of urban environments, influencing the conformation of cities and neighbourhoods alike.

Committed to the objective of enhancing the quality of urban spaces, Turner Arquitectos has showcased an unwavering dedication to crafting environments that harmoniously blend functionality, aesthetics, and the aspirations of communities. By embracing sustainable design principles and fostering collaborative partnerships, Turner Arquitectos has emerged as a leader in the field.

For more information, head to

Turner Arquitectos | www.turner.cl/obras