Modern Hacienda Multiple Courtyard Designed Around Tamarind Tree

Casa Tamarindo is a special house that beautifully combines architecture and nature. The heart of this architectural project is the magnificent tamarind tree, which plays a central role in the design. The built structures around the tree, frame the natural surroundings, guiding you from the main entrance to other areas of the house.

The house is thoughtfully divided into public and private spaces, oriented around the tree's original location. This approach allows most of the natural landscape to remain intact while seamlessly integrating the outdoors into every part of the house. There are inner courtyards and paths that lead to gardens throughout the property, emphasizing the tree as the star of the show.

Situated in the San Sebastian neighborhood, on an irregular plot with existing vegetation, this unique home was created for a visual artist, graphic designer and writer.

The architectural plan wasn't complex, but the plot's characteristics, the client's vision, the need to preserve larger trees, and other nearby elements made it a challenge to design a single-story, two-bedroom home with various spaces, including a studio for art, writing, and outdoor areas like gardens, a pool, dining, living spaces, and a sunbathing area.

The main concept was to allow the residents to enjoy different spaces throughout the day, all centered around the ancient Tamarind tree. This tree serves as a focal point, organizing the surrounding areas and creating a central courtyard that connects the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Another standout element is the guiding wall, which welcomes both residents and visitors, guiding them through the property and creating a pleasant journey from the street to the main entrance. This wall can be solid and imposing in some parts, while in others, it opens up to frame the architectural elements or the existing vegetation. It even transforms into an entrance vestibule for the art studio.

The choice of materials for both interior and exterior walls was crucial to achieving the desired look. While there was an appreciation for Yucatecan haciendas, the primary goal was to create a contemporary, timeless design.

The use of materials that age gracefully and develop character over time was essential. Integral colored cement with a slightly uneven texture provided a natural and organic feel, allowing the house to evolve and develop a unique character as it ages. This blend of aesthetics and functionality resulted in a design referred to as "Contemporary Hacienda."

The ingenious design that revolves around the majestic Tamarind tree not only preserves the essence of the natural surroundings but also seamlessly integrates the outdoors into every facet of the home. The architects' decision to embrace and celebrate the existing trees and to use materials that evolve gracefully over time has created a timeless and unique living space.

Casa Tamarindo is a testament to the power of visionary design, where the beauty of the past and the vitality of the present unite to form a truly inspiring architectural masterpiece.

Architects: Taller Estilo Arquitectura https://www.tallerestiloarquitectura.com/
Area: 375 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Manolo Solís
Lead Architects: Víctor Alejandro Cruz Domínguez, Iván Atahualpa Hernández Salazar, Luís Armando Estrada Aguilar, Silvia Cuitún Coronado, Yahir Ortega Pantoja
Location: Mérida, Mexico