Location: Tulum, Mexico.

Architect: Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos.

Casa San Juan is a high-end residential project located near Tulum, Mexico, that draws inspiration from the traditional Mayan House. The design solution is an experimental take on the vernacular architecture of the region, with a contemporary twist that incorporates sustainability principles. The project is made up of modules that are based on the spatial layout of the Mayan House, with a focus on height, large spaces for air to enter, and the division between public and private spaces. The resulting volumetry is a shell that employs traditional local materials and is permeable on all sides, with no more than 10% of the surface area in contact with the ground. The shell is positioned on a platform floating above the ground, using slender steel supports, to benefit the natural surroundings. The wall and roof are a single construction element, made of curved wooden stretchers that form an organic overlay and create the principal module. The sustainability proposal includes ecological techniques, such as wastewater treatment and renewable energy systems, as well as socio-cultural aspects and the control of pollutants. The various architectural elements will be manufactured using local materials and prefabricated pieces will be brought for assembly in situ, without the need for transportation over long distances or the use of heavy equipment. The project is broken down into three modules, with the private spaces in the first section and the social areas enjoying the best views towards the sea. The whole complex is focused on the direct connection with the natural surroundings.