Finalized in 2022 by NOIZ Architekti, Villa Tulum is a family residence nestled on the verdant Yucatan Peninsula. This architectural work is meticulously designed, considering the unique local conditions and tropical climate of the area. The design thoughtfully encapsulates the warmth of the region while incorporating eco-conscious elements to enhance comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.
Villa Tulum Technical Information
- Architects1-2: NOIZ Architekti
- Location: Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Topics: Beach Houses
- Area: 216.5 m2
- Land Area: 1,600 m2
- Project Year: 2022
- Photographs: © Pol Rodriguez
The project is designed to respect local conditions and climate as much as possible. The construction of the floor is raised above the level of the existing terrain through load-bearing walls to allow natural ventilation under the house.
– NOIZ Architekti
Villa Tulum Photographs
Text by the Architects
Villa Tulum is located in a dense forest near the city of Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula, where part of the natural local vegetation penetrates the land. The site is divided into two areas by the building itself – in front of the villa, there is a forest, and behind it is an area with lower vegetation: the Caribbean garden. Therefore, the greenery on the plot is characteristic of the place, but the architecture differs from the local one. Nevertheless, the project is designed to respect local conditions and climate as much as possible.
The construction of the floor is raised above the level of the existing terrain through load-bearing walls to allow natural ventilation under the house. The same principle is used in the construction of the roof, which is laid on five massive concrete beams. The space between the beams has controlled ventilation from the prevailing winds from the nearby sea. The high humidity and the sun heat are characteristic of this location, so in addition to ventilation, it was necessary to ensure enough shade so that the house does not overheat indoors and at the same time offers enough living space in the shade outdoors.
On the ground level of the Caribbean garden, there is a large covered terrace – an “outdoor living room,” which constitutes about a third of the house. The terrace can be closed with sliding walls with nets and thus protect the inhabitants from insects. Glass sliding walls line the interior from two main sides – replacing the front and rear facade. Thanks to this solution, the whole space is variable – the boundaries between the interior and the exterior are lost.
The main “glass” area has generous rooms – a living room with a kitchen and a bedroom. The load-bearing walls were minimized – the load-bearing stone system consists of two walls – the side perimeter walls and the parallel core of the house, which also surrounds the masonry walls. The core hides functions – wardrobe, hygiene – bathroom for the owner, and a toilet and laundry accessible from the exterior.
The villa was designed with maximum regard to the location and, of course, the owner’s comfort. There is a swimming pool in the middle of the Caribbean garden behind the building, which is an essential part of the architecture. The stairs in the tower bring one to the roof, where a platform for practicing yoga is created, or even a floor higher, to the very top of the building with a view of the endless Mexican forests.
Villa Tulum Plans
Villa Tulum Image Gallery
About NOIZ Architekti
NOIZ is an architectural studio that aims to create contemporary architecture with a timeless concept. The studio was established in 2015 based on the successful cooperation between architects. We believe that the environment in which we live has a direct effect on our lives, so we try to create quality spaces through projects.
- Design team: Samuel Zeman, Andrej Šabo
- Structure engineering / Site and Project Management: Yasushi Itami, aZen design and construction
