DNA’s community hub proposal in mexico recalls the mystical wells of yucatan rainforests

explore the nature-infused ‘ZENOTE’ in tulum, mexico 

DNA Barcelona presents ‘ZENOTE’, a new Work-Play-Live concept that embraces the Mexican jungle by evoking the timeless wells or ‘cenotes’ of the Tulum area. These mystical wells, located deep in the Yucatan rainforests, are fed by underwater rivers and were sacred to the ancient Maya civilization.

‘Based on these mythical elements, we developed a project that emerges from the forest, a circular building crowned with vegetation that embraces a central open space full of vegetation that houses the common areas and a large central pool. The façade emulates the colors of the geological cuts that appear in the cenotes, creating a concept of Biophilic Architecture, one of the pillars for DNA Barcelona,’ writes the practice. 

The team at DNA Barcelona envisioned ‘ZENOTE’ as a 21,942.45 sqm complex distributed across eight residential buildings, each spanning four floors. The first level houses a shopping area with a bar-restaurant, beach club, swim-ups on the roof-tops, and community pools. Each entrance is secured and equipped with a 24h concierge service. The three other levels accommodate 129 apartments with integrated two, three, or four rooms, a large terrace, plenty of vegetation, and a private jacuzzi.

a circular residential complex with its own microclimate 

By creating a circular community hub joined at the center by a ‘cenote’, the architects have successfully welcomed a complete immersion in Yucatan nature from all angles and heights. Furthermore, this nature-infused cocoon generates a unique microclimate that reduces hot temperatures without resorting to air conditioning systems, thus allowing cross-ventilation and freshness to infiltrate the ‘ZENOTE’ spaces across all seasons.

‘DNA presents its relevance in the concept of sustainability, respecting the ecosystem and the biodiversity of the fauna, contributing to the use of natural materials specifically from the Yucatan region, which minimizes the impact of construction and waste generation. The concept of water harvesting is also respected and represents a recovery of river water. DNA’s goal is to find the balance between mind-body-soul to provide a true escape from everyday life, leaving you to enjoy the Mexican lifestyle,’ concludes the team. 

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project info:

name: ZENOTE 

location: Tulum, Mexico 

architecture: DNA Barcelona | @dnabarcelonaarchitects

client: Group Torrent 

status: In progress 

site area: 9,999.94 sqm 

built area:  21,942.45 sqm 

expected completion year: 2023