Info Progetto
Architetto: VEINTE DIEZZ ARQUITECTOS
Progetto: VISTALCIELO
Luogo: Mérida, Yucàtan
Anno: 2024
Categoria: Airbnb
Immagini © Manolo R. Solís
Situated on a narrow urban plot measuring 5 by 31 metres, the existing house was in a state of structural disrepair, with collapsing roofs and overgrown vegetation. Instead of demolishing the house, the architects proposed a minimalist and respectful strategy: preserving the historic masonry walls, introducing light through patios and skylights, and organising the house into six distinct volumes—three enclosed and three open. This layout creates visual transparency, cross-ventilation and a seamless experience between indoors and outdoors.
From the street, a sequence of spaces unfolds: the front garden, the communal area (kitchen and living room), the central patio, the guest suite, the rear garden with a swimming pool, and a master suite at the rear. The central patio becomes the heart of the house, not only organising the flow of movement but also acting as a passive cooling element. Curved walls, patios and outdoor connections ensure that every area is naturally lit and ventilated, offering changing atmospheres throughout the day.
A restrained palette of local materials and textures defines the project. The main finishes include limestone plaster in natural tones and hand-textured concrete in wet areas. The original masonry was stabilised and reused wherever possible. New roof slabs were left exposed, revealing their beam structures as a tribute to traditional wooden rollizos. Each bathroom features a crescent-shaped skylight, framing a direct view of the sky. The steel window grilles have been painted in the house’s original colour—a soft sky blue—whilst the paved areas combine local stone and minimalist landscaping to evoke a sense of calm and continuity.
Around 70% of the original structure has been retained, significantly reducing demolition waste and the building’s environmental footprint. The project’s passive design strategies—including natural ventilation, shading and low-impact materials—contribute to a sustainable approach, both environmentally and culturally. “Rather than building a new house, we wanted to restore the existing one, bringing out its potential through the rhythm of the patios, the curves and the light,” says architect José Luis Irizzont Manzanero.
Vistalcielo is an example of how small-scale architectural interventions can offer meaningful alternatives to demolition. By striking a balance between restoration and reinterpretation, the project breathes new life into a forgotten corner of Mérida’s built heritage, offering a serene and contemporary living experience, rooted in the place and its history.
OTHER
Text © VEINTE DIEZZ ARQUITECTOS
