Casa Encanto Ermita | Mérida, Yucatán

Reinterpreting tradition

The project is a single-family residence that seeks to reinterpret the lifestyle of a house in the historic center of Mérida, integrating new spaces adapted to contemporary life while respecting the house’s original architecture. The inspiration came from Yucatecan colonial architecture, aiming to rescue the essence of the pre-existing bay with traditional pasta tile floors, stone masonry walls, and exposed wooden joists.

Spatial Organization

Given the very narrow lot, only 4 meters wide, the main goal was to maximize use of the property’s length, resulting in a linear scheme. This layout allows circulation between different spaces without passing directly through them. Open and semi-open spaces promote indoor-outdoor connection, natural lighting, and ventilation. Additionally, a central courtyard was introduced as a key organizing element, echoing traditional colonial homes.

The house is organized around distinct areas with a variety of atmospheres. The terrace preserves the existing upper structure and exposed masonry walls, enhanced by a mural by Adriana Romero and colorful pasta tile flooring. The spacious central courtyard serves as the heart of the house, incorporating stairs to the upper floor and a bahareque roof with a protective acrylic top. At the end of the property lies the master bedroom, designed for privacy and tranquility, with an arched façade that reduces heat and sunlight.

Material Palette

Regional materials were essential in defining the project’s identity. Traditional tiles with contemporary patterns, stone masonry walls, and exposed wood maintain a strong connection to Yucatecan tradition. Neutral interior wall colors create spaciousness, polished concrete floors balance modernity with tradition, and yellow concrete pigmented with mineral powder lends warmth and distinction to the exterior walls.

Context Integration

The project harmonizes new design with Mérida’s historic center, respecting colonial architectural language while adapting to modern living. Its linear scheme, courtyard concept, and material palette foster continuity with regional identity. Ultimately, the design blends preservation with contemporary reinterpretation, embodying cultural and spatial integration.