Casa Xcunya
Casa Xcunya. Mérida Yucatán.
Nestled among encroaching urbanization surrounding Mérida, Casa Xcunya emerges as a sanctuary amidst the relentless march of development. Witnessing hectares of pristine jungle rapidly disappearing due to urban expansion and habitats for hundreds of species shrinking, we realized the need to reconsider the concept of housing. Casa Xcunya represents a radical departure, comprising 43,000 square meters of preserved premises where other species are not displaced, with only 2% allocated for human habitation. Eschewing ostentation, Casa Xcunya embraces a minimalist ethos, prioritizing the intrinsic value of the natural habitat over the commodification of square footage.
Inspired by the organic fluidity of a water droplet, its design harmonizes with nature’s rhythm. Water, the quintessence of life, pulses at the heart of this sanctuary, encircled by walls, lattices, and ethereal mosquito nets.
Casa Xcunya is more than just a dwelling; it’s a manifesto of reverence for the natural world. Every aspect of its design, from the orientation of its spaces meticulously calibrated to optimize climatic comfort, with bedrooms ensconced in the cooler northern reaches and communal spaces bathed in the gentle caress of filtered western sunlight, both embraced by the lush canopy of the jungle, to its construction rooted in local materials and Mayan traditional techniques, honors the land upon which it stands. Elevated atop local rock foundations, the structure ascends 1 meter, shielding it from periodic floods while optimizing natural cross-ventilation; it stands resilient against nature’s whims.
At its core, Casa Xcunya embodies sustainability and self-sufficiency. With a natural palm palapa reducing interior temperature and water management systems minimizing environmental impact, along with the preservation of existing flora paramount and a pledge to plant threefold the number of trees felled during construction, it perpetuates the rich biodiversity of the peninsula. It showcases the transformative power of architecture in fostering a more sustainable future.
As we confront the challenges of a changing climate, Casa Xcunya offers hope—a reminder that thoughtful design and conscientious stewardship can shape a better world. In the midst of urbanization, it stands as a beacon of inspiration—a testament to architecture’s capacity to uplift and heal.