The project was developed on a narrow beachfront lot on the Riviera Maya, near Tulum, in Quintana Roo and is fully powered by solar and wind energy. The entire project was cast in an organic blue color concrete, which reacts over time according to its exposure to the sun and its position in the house, creating tones that range from ocean blue to sunset pink.

By raising the house on cross-shaped columns, the impact on the environment is reduced and views are generated over the dune that separates the property from the sea. The project is organized on three levels that are connected by a spiral staircase: the auxiliary ground floor below the house, the intermediate level containing all interior spaces, and a large roof terrace with a pool and an outdoor dining room presenting views of the Caribbean Sea, the jungle and the lagoon. Close to the master bedroom a distinct turret is situated: it works as a formal element that anchors the ensemble into place and doubles as a flexible space for work or meditation.

The intermediate L-shaped floor plan extends beyond the ground floor through large terraces and pergolas made with local wood. In this way, the interior spaces are enlarged and protected from the sun; and a good cross ventilation is achieved (only the bedrooms have an air conditioning system). These terraces have a folding mechanism that protects the house in the event of hurricanes: by raising and lowering these heavy elements against the facade, the open and transparent residence is transformed into a robust closed box.

Team:

Client: Ezequiel Ayarza Sforza

Architects: Productora (Carlos Bedoya, Victor Jaime, Wonne Ickx, Abel Perles)

Collaborators: Alejandro Ordoñez, Josué Palma, Daniela Dusa, Antonio Espinoza, Gerardo Aguilar

Structural engineering: Kaltia

Mecahnical engineering and sustainability: EOS

Landscape Design: Planta DB

Photography: Onnis Luque

Situated between the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean and the jungle of Sian Ka’an, this private house embodies the desire for the perfect balance between conscientious travel, sustainability, and a unique experience.

A special paradise of conscientious luxury is the inspiration that led to the creation of Casa Bautista, a sustainable, contemporary design private villa situated facing the Caribbean sea in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO protected area where full contact with nature is possible. The brainchild of entrepreneur Ezequiel Ayarza Sforza together with Mexican architecture studio PRODUCTORA, Casa Bautista is a sculptural structure in blue-tinted concrete that merges with the landscape of what was once virgin terrain, close to the southern end of Tulum. The L-shaped house, measuring 300 square meters, references Brazilian modernism while taking inspiration from the Surrealist garden of Edward James, producing a construction with a brutalist character that offers a brand-new experience.

The three floors of the residence are connected by a spiral staircase. On the ground floor the water sports equipment is stored, since one side of the property offers direct access to the Campechén lagoon, great for kayaking, and the other to the private beach. The terraces and tzalam wood pergolas on the main floor were constructed by local carpenters to provide warmth to the space and shade to enjoy the ocean, the birds and the serenity of the jungle, while encouraging cross-ventilation in the rooms, the dining room and the jacuzzi thanks to the sea breeze. On the roof terrace a dream-like sense of immersion is complete in the pool and barbecue area, flanked by open views over the sea and the endless greenery stretching to the horizon.

The sensation of tranquility and of being in a home away from home is achieved thanks to the personalized service offered by the concierge and house manager, who are focused on bringing to fruition the true sense of total comfort and relaxation that are the sign of a real break. Contemporary nomads will also find the freshest ingredients –including the best sea products– in the dishes prepared by the house chef, taking classics of Mexican cuisine and combining them with the renowned homemade seasoning to satisfy gourmets. This experience is complemented with individual yoga sessions and massages offered by professionals in different disciplines, including those who transmit the benefits of ancient Mayan wisdom.

Sustainability at Casa Bautista is everything, thanks to its clean energy supply. The project minimizes its environmental footprint, prioritizing the use of solar and wind energy. In addition, comfort and a pleasant interior climate are achieved by regulating the temperature and ventilation with the efficient use of the blinds. Casa Bautista was created under the auspices of Pueblo del Sol, a project dedicated to humanitarian transformation whose mission is to build a new world together with the indigenous communities of Oaxaca, promoting the organic production of coffee, vanilla, cocoa and honey and ensuring fair trade with potters, ceramists and carpenters. Each stay contributes to the continuity and materialization of these objectives.