Project Description
Chicxulub is a coastal area north of the city of Merida in the Yucatan Peninsula. The small fishermen´s town stretches as a continuation of Progresso, where the main seaport of the region gained importance back in the 50s. The spirit of the houses built along the coast has always been that of a quiet and simple life.
The project is set on a site with a 240 ft seafront where a house from the ’50s existed and had to be demolished due to unrepairable damage to its structure by the corrosion and history of hurricanes. The pre-existing home had 7 bedrooms and resorted to porticos and colonnades, depicting a modernistic feel, to create a distinctive setting to enjoy the views. The house, originally used for vacation for a family of 10, was required to house a family that grew to more than 45 people over the years and including various generations. All of which had a special attachment to the previous house.
The new design respected the L-shape plan from the old house and completed it to form a hacienda-like patio with an extension, holding a total of 16 bedrooms, a multifunction room, dining, living, kitchen,, and terrace spaces. The original character informed the new design.
The architecture utilizes a basic language and a delicate game of volumes, depths, and surfaces that work as a canvas for light and shadow and frame special views. The portico and colonnade were kept setting a rhythm and pace as well as holding circulations and private terraces. The horizontal nature of the slab connects the house with that sense of infinity and continuation of the ocean´s horizon while providing scale for the house.
Local stone and Chukum tree-made plaster were used to connect with the site’s tradition and craft. A swimming lane and pool provide recreation and establish a connection with the sea and the sky, becoming a reflecting pool or a textured surface by the wind.
Construction was finalized right at the beginning of the Covid19 pandemic. The house became a refuge and ideal dwelling for the family to go through the times of lockdown, bringing calm amid the adverse context.