Hacienda Wabi by RA!
Hacienda Wabi is a house located in Tulum, Mexico, designed in 2023 by RA!. Organised around a central courtyard, the residential complex is immersed in the jungle and seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings, giving form to an array of stairways, terraces, and stepped volumes that, over time, visually merge with the landscape and reinterpret the passage of time and evoke the ancient settlements that once occupied the region.
Architectural Design Blending With Nature
Hacienda Wabi is a residential complex immersed in the jungle and seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings. Developed by Namus, a Tulum-based developer, and designed by RA!, the project consists of an array of stairways, terraces, and stepped volumes that, over time, visually merge with the landscape, giving form to a residential building.
Residential Space Organised Around Central Courtyard
Organized around a central courtyard, the complex distributes access to 15 apartments arranged across three levels. This interior space is fragmented into smaller courtyards and corners that lead to winding pathways, culminating in a semi-public area with a swimming pool and recreational spaces.
Distinct Features Across All Units
The stepped configuration of the volumes allows consistent natural light and cross ventilation in every unit, while perimeter planters partially cover the façades, reinforcing the idea of architecture giving prominence to vegetation. Each level offers distinct features: ground-floor units include gardens and private pools; first-floor units feature terraces and jacuzzis; and second-floor units have terraces and roof gardens with views toward the treetops.
Local Materials And Neutral Tones Employed
The materiality relies on local elements. The base is built with regional stone, while the walls are finished with Chukum, a natural coating made from plant-based processes and sand that enhances interior brightness and reduces the project’s carbon footprint. Solar panels were installed on the rooftops to promote energy efficiency, and vegetation is encouraged to grow in both the central courtyard and the planters. Neutral tones on walls and slabs allow the surrounding jungle to play a leading role, integrating the building into the landscape without altering its natural character.
Priority On Landscape Through Passive Design
Hacienda Wabi proposes a way of inhabiting the jungle where architecture blends with its environment through local materials, passive design strategies, and a direct relationship with vegetation, prioritizing everyday experiences and respect for the landscape.
Photography by Ariadna Polo
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