PRAAACTICE: Located in the heart of the Mayan jungle and adjacent to a crystalline cenote, this 115 m² residence exemplifies a harmonious blend of brutalism and contextual sensitivity. Its clear volumetric forms and precise geometry establish a robust yet respectful presence within the tropical landscape.
Designed as a retreat for a young couple, the residence unfolds over two levels with a fluid layout that prioritizes a seamless integration with nature. The entrance is characterized by a semi-open space on the ground floor, where the shade from the upper volume facilitates a gradual transition between the exterior and interior. This level hosts an intimate social area that opens to the surrounding environment, featuring a pool that harmoniously blends with the terrain and terraces that invite relaxation.
A sculptural concrete staircase, a significant element of the design, leads to the upper level, which contains two bedrooms. Strategically placed walls provide necessary privacy while maintaining visual connections to the lush vegetation outside. The exposed concrete emphasizes the brutalist materiality of the structure, serving as a canvas for the dynamic interplay of light and shadows cast by the shifting jungle throughout the day.
The design seeks to achieve complete integration with the landscape through a carefully chosen palette of raw and natural materials, including concrete, aged wood, and local stone, all of which foster an atmosphere of tranquility and contemplation. The residence is designed not to dominate the jungle but to immerse itself within it, achieving an ideal balance between shelter and openness, as well as between the built environment and the organic world.
The relationship between the constructed space and its natural surroundings is essential to the sensory experience of the residence. Boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces are intentionally blurred through strategically placed openings, which frame specific views of the jungle and cenote, allowing natural light and gentle breezes to permeate every corner. The raw textures of concrete and aged wood evoke a sense of timelessness and belonging. Thus, this project is envisioned not merely as a dwelling, but as a contemplative retreat where architecture serves as a bridge between human habitation and the vastness of nature.
