red soil envelops o house’s solid volumes in downtown mérida

the monochromatic volumes act as sculptural elements, defining space through materiality.

Reyes Rosiñol edited by christina vergopoulou February 13, 2025 3 min

O House by Reyes Rosiñol is organized around a guaya tree

O House, designed by Reyes Rosiñol, is located in downtown Mérida, Mexico, on an irregularly shaped lot, with a guaya tree as the only pre-existing element. The design concept is influenced by the intersection of Maya and Spanish traditions, shaping a spatial composition that reflects regional cultural identity.

The house‘s layout is organized around a central axis, inspired by the Maya ‘sacbé’ or ‘white road,’ which extends from the entrance to the guaya tree, framing it as a focal point. Positioned between an existing diagonal wall and a newly introduced converging wall, the tree is encircled by a circular body of water, referencing the cenote as a symbolic and spatial node. This feature defines circulation, organizing the spatial arrangement in response to the site’s natural morphology. The placement of built elements prioritizes orientation and views, following principles found in ancient Maya settlements. Pathways wind through the landscape, creating an interplay of light and shadow.

red soil envelops o house’s solid volumes in downtown mérida - 1 — all images by Onnis Luque

built environment integrates with the surrounding vegetation

The project consists of solid volumes composed of materials native to the region, including sascab (white soil) and kankab (red soil). Double-height ceilings, enclosed facades, and a mass-dominant composition establish a dialogue with the colonial architecture of the surrounding urban fabric. The architectural program includes four bedrooms—one main and three guest rooms—along with public spaces such as terraces, a multi-purpose area, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, and a secondary preparation kitchen. Service and maintenance areas are integrated into the layout.

The architectural team at Reyes Rosiñol organizes the space around the central node, integrating the built environment with the surrounding vegetation. The monochromatic volumes function as sculptural elements, shaping interior spaces defined by shifting shadows and natural light. This approach creates a subdued yet dynamic atmosphere, where the boundaries between interior and exterior are softened through material and spatial continuity.

red soil envelops o house’s solid volumes in downtown mérida - 2 — the enclosed facades and mass-dominant composition create a sense of privacy and enclosure

red soil envelops o house’s solid volumes in downtown mérida - 3 — the monochromatic volumes act as sculptural elements, defining space through materiality

red soil envelops o house’s solid volumes in downtown mérida - 4 — the project features solid volumes composed of native materials such as sascab and kankab

red soil envelops o house’s solid volumes in downtown mérida - 5 — a guaya tree, the only pre-existing element, becomes the focal point of the design

o-house-reyes-rosinol-mexico-designboom-1800-2 — a circular body of water encircles the guaya tree, referencing the sacred cenote

red soil envelops o house’s solid volumes in downtown mérida - 6 — the spatial arrangement follows the natural morphology of the site, prioritizing orientation and views

o-house-reyes-rosinol-mexico-designboom-1800-3 — pathways weave through the landscape, creating an interplay of light and shadow

red soil envelops o house’s solid volumes in downtown mérida - 7 — public spaces extend into terraces, enhancing the relationship between interior and exterior

red soil envelops o house’s solid volumes in downtown mérida - 8 — natural light filters through the design, casting dynamic shadows throughout the day

project info:

name: Casa O
architect: Reyes Rosiñol | @reyesrosinol

location: Mérida, Mexico

photographer: Onnis Luque | @onnisluque_fotografia

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