The focal point of Casa TO is the covered infinity pool and solarium. The former alludes to the vaulted volumes and the signature style of Le Corbusier with rectilinear lines, exposed loadbearing walls, lightweight structures, and open-plan interiors. The solarium, with its terraced layout, has divisions to provide privacy in each area.

The adjacent volume comprises the suites and has a structure that favors cool air, given the prevailing heat of the region, and provides protection from the outdoors. The six rooms on the ground floor have gardens, while those on the upper level offer a terrace and outdoor bath.

The natural surroundings of Casa TO defined the interior design, inspired by the natural pattern of a Madagascar Blue Bismarck palm tree (Bismarckia Nobilis) standing on the original site. The chosen color palette combines the natural tones of concrete and stainless steel with turquoise hues –appreciated in the metalwork, the lamps by Natural Urbano studio, and other decorative details–, and nuances of yellow, blue, and green.

Furniture built by expert carpenters from Puebla, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca conveys a sense of simplicity and delicacy and, together with the bamboo pieces designed by Tiago Solís Van Beuren, emphasizes the textures while bringing character to the spaces. These unique pieces, which display the richness and creativity of talented local artisans, may be purchased by guests under a fairtrade model, enabling them to introduce exceptional objects into their daily lives.

At Casa TO consciousness and sustainability are seen as fundamental aspects of luxury living today, and expressed in its commitment to reducing its environmental impact with actions including: a water treatment plant to reuse wastewater for the planted areas; solar panels to store energy; and a zero-plastics policy.

Text provided by the architect.

Casa Mérida is located in the largest Yucatán state which experiences extreme climates. The consistently high temperatures have resulted in a heavy reliance on air-conditioning and it is very common for modern houses to run it all day! In resistance to this idea, exceptional efforts were made to embrace the traditional Mayan way of building which have ‘sustainable practices’ at its core (without the need for buzz words). According to Godefroy, “this typology is basically based on natural crossed ventilation under high ceiling volumes, all connected together by a series of patios letting the airflow through the entire house, providing… a natural cooling system.” To reach self-sufficiency from the city, a closed-loop water system was devised by drilling a borehole to source water in the subsoil. A biodigester treats the house’s dirty water to use for the garden and absorption wells collect rainwater and are placed under water collectors. These sculptural collectors and wells conceive the most beautiful, still moments that accentuate the exquisite concrete form of the house. Other self-sustaining measures have been employed such as solar boilers and panels provide hot water and electricity for the whole house, and large timber louvre windows and doors to control the light atmosphere.

The home is broken up in sections across the long, narrow site with outdoor spaces interspersed throughout to naturally ventilate the house. “The outdoor spaces [are] integrated as part of the inner space, vanishing the classical border between in and out, increasing the visual depth…to create a more generous amplitude sensation of the volumes,” explains Godefroy. The layout of the home is structured along a concrete wall that runs the entire length of the site. Off it hang separate bedroom and living shelters as well as the outdoor patios. Instead of enclosing people, the house is open and breathes while still providing the essential feeling of protection and privacy.

Text provided by the architect.