Collection by Allie Weiss

Concrete Hotel in Puerto Rico Plays with Light and Shadow

El Blok, a 22-room hotel in Vieques, Puerto Rico, strikes a unique profile—its meandering shape features numerous cut-outs that let light in, casting playful shadows. The LEED Gold-certified property, designed by San Juan-based firm Fuster + Architects, opened this fall. Click through the slideshow to peek inside.

The pattern on the panels, which can be opened or closed, was inspired by a coral reef. The exterior shell acts as a sun screen that helps keep the structure cool.
The pattern on the panels, which can be opened or closed, was inspired by a coral reef. The exterior shell acts as a sun screen that helps keep the structure cool.
Behind the perforated shell lie balconies off the guest rooms. Some of them open up to the sky.
Behind the perforated shell lie balconies off the guest rooms. Some of them open up to the sky.
Another view of the outdoor sitting areas.
Another view of the outdoor sitting areas.
In the guest rooms, most furniture is made from local artisans using wood from the Ciales region. The wallpaper is a custom print by Flavor Paper.
In the guest rooms, most furniture is made from local artisans using wood from the Ciales region. The wallpaper is a custom print by Flavor Paper.
The bathrooms feature a custom sink unit by Reynold Rodrigues for La Factoria Group, based in San Juan. The colorful hand shower is by Agape.
The bathrooms feature a custom sink unit by Reynold Rodrigues for La Factoria Group, based in San Juan. The colorful hand shower is by Agape.
A sweeping terrace area is home to the hotel's restaurant, run by Chef Jose Enrique.
A sweeping terrace area is home to the hotel's restaurant, run by Chef Jose Enrique.