The residence, situated along the mangroves and beaches of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, offers a comprehensive remodel of the former single-room house into a three-bedroom home that benefits from its climate and surroundings.
The new design is heavily influenced by the client’s needs for the home to be easily accessible by wheelchair and host family gatherings and vacations.
Referencing the original palapa roof of the house, the residence deconstructs the structure to create a shaded canopy over the entryway. The wooden feature extends through the home, from the entrance, through the living spaces, and out again to the private yard.
The decking follows the canopy, extending from the outside in. For the user, this establishes a clear connection of the house to environment while also creating a simple and unique pathway that will be traversed several times a day.
The new design incorporates local materials and modern style to create a blend of local customs and international design. Skylights above the interior canopy allow for natural, well-lit living spaces.
The deep exterior canopy also provides the ability to open large windows to allow for passive cooling and air-flow on warm days.
The public spaces feature an open plan while still dividing space via the central walkway. Large windows and sliding glass doors open the living room and kitchen to the yard and pool for users to freely flow in and out.
The small pool is designed to accommodate multiple family activities. The entrance introduces a shallow slope for easy access via wheelchair. A shallow area allows for sunbathing or an opportunity for the family dogs to cool themselves off. A backrest rises from the pool edge to create a comfortable seat while also containing the large planters behind. A waterfall feature muffles noises from the neighboring lots.