June 11, 2024

Casa Tropical: Jaque Studio’s Eco-Friendly Home in Mexico

Designed by Jaque Studio, Casa Tropical is a captivating house located in Tulum, Mexico, that exemplifies the region’s lush, tropical beauty. Completed in 2022, the single-level residence harnesses the site’s natural features, including a central water body and towering tropical foliage, to create a harmonious indoor-outdoor living experience. Featuring a distinctive “L-shaped” layout, the house is oriented to maximize natural light and cross-ventilation, while also offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.

A modern wooden-framed home with a pool and lounge area surrounded by lush greenery.

Elegant resort-style architecture with a tranquil pool and lounging areas amidst lush greenery.

Spacious open-plan living with wooden beams, modern furniture, and decorative accents.

Expansive open-concept dining space with natural wooden beams, large windows, and minimalist decor.

Spacious room with rustic wooden beams, large windows overlooking lush greenery, and modern furnishings.

Rustic wooden beams, tropical plants, and a freestanding bathtub create a serene ambiance.

An airy, modern bathroom with a wooden ceiling, stone countertops, and lush foliage.

A modern bathroom with a recessed bathtub, surrounded by tropical foliage and a wooden ceiling.

Rustic and tranquil outdoor living space with wooden beams, lounging chairs, and a pool.

Wooden beamed structure with expansive glass walls and lush outdoor space.

Rustic wooden lodge surrounded by lush tropical foliage, with a tranquil pool reflecting the scene.

Rustic wooden trellis with crosshatched patterns, displaying decorative pottery and wooden benches.

Ornate, domed structure of woven bamboo and thatch nestled in lush tropical foliage.

Aerial view of a modern, geometric structure surrounded by a lush, forested landscape.

About Casa Tropical

Nestled in the heart of Tulum, Mexico, Casa Tropical is a captivating work of art designed by Jaque Studio in 2022. Embracing the site’s natural features, this single-level, L-shaped house boasts a unique topography and a serene central water feature.

Harmonizing with Nature

Crafted with a narrow profile, the house maximizes natural light and cross-ventilation, creating a refreshing and comfortable living environment. Furthermore, the outdoor bathrooms, each connected to a private patio, seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing residents to fully immerse themselves in the tropical ambiance.

Timeless Elegance, Sustainable Solutions

Utilizing local materials, such as limestone and chukum, along with the prominent use of wood, Casa Tropical embodies a warm and inviting aesthetic. Remarkably, the house is 100% self-sufficient, generating its own energy through a battery and solar panel system, and treating its wastewater using a wetland filtration network. Additionally, 77% of the property’s existing trees and vegetation have been preserved, minimizing the project’s environmental impact.

Connecting with the Landscape

The main corridor, functioning as a grand terrace, draws inspiration from traditional Mexican haciendas and country homes, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. With high ceilings and expansive views, the house becomes a mere spectator to the captivating natural surroundings, inviting residents to disconnect, relax, and immerse themselves in the beauty of the tropical setting.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Design

Embracing the belief that the 21st century will belong to wood as a renewable, lightweight, and low-carbon construction material, Casa Tropical exemplifies the future of sustainable architecture. By harmonizing with the site’s unique characteristics and prioritizing environmental considerations, this house stands as a shining example of how design can seamlessly coexist with nature.

Photography by César Béjar
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- by Matt Watts