Project: Hacienda Wabi / Location: Tulúm, México / Architect: RA! / Location: Mexico City, Mexico / Interiors: Namus + Casa Portal + RA! / Photography: Ariadna Polo
Hacienda Wabi is a unique apartment building immersed in the jungle of Tulum, Mexico, and seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings. Designed by Mexico City-based RA! architecture studio and Developed by Tulum-based Namus, the project consists of an array of stairways, terraces and stepped volumes that, over time, visually merge with the landscape, giving form to a residential building.
“Its design draws inspiration from the aesthetics of ruins to reinterpret the passage of time and evoke the ancient settlements that once occupied the region,” the project statement says.
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The project is organized around a central courtyard and distributes access to 15 apartments arranged across three levels. This interior space is fragmented into smaller courtyards and corners that lead to winding pathways, culminating in a semi-public area with a swimming pool and recreational spaces. The stepped configuration of the volumes allows consistent natural light and cross ventilation in every unit, while perimeter planters partially cover the façades, reinforcing the idea of architecture giving prominence to vegetation.
“Each level offers distinct features: ground-floor units include gardens and private pools; first-floor units feature terraces and jacuzzis; and second-floor units have terraces and roof gardens with views toward the treetops,” the architects say.
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The developer and design team relied on local elements for materiality. The base, for example, is built with regional stone, while the walls are finished with Chukum, a natural coating made from plant-based processes and sand. The finish enhances interior brightness and reduces the project’s carbon footprint. In addition, the team chose solar panels on the rooftops to promote energy efficiency and vegetation for the central courtyard and the planters. “Neutral tones on walls and slabs allow the surrounding jungle to play a leading role, integrating the building into the landscape without altering its natural character,” the design team says.
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“Hacienda Wabi proposes a way of inhabiting the jungle where architecture blends with its environment through local materials, passive design strategies, and a direct relationship with vegetation, prioritizing everyday experiences and respect for the landscape.
