Hacienda Wabi proposes a new way of inhabiting the jungle – through integration with vegetation, local craftsmanship, and ecological sensitivity
Hacienda Wabi is a residential complex immersed in the jungle, conceived as an architecture that grows out of and gradually dissolves back into its surroundings. Developed by Namus, a Tulum-based developer, and designed by RA!, the project is composed of stairways, terraces, and stepped volumes that, over time, visually merge with the dense vegetation. The design draws inspiration from the aesthetics of ancient ruins, using their weathered beauty to reinterpret the passage of time and to evoke the settlements that once thrived in the region.
Organized around a central courtyard, the complex distributes access to 15 apartments arranged across three levels. This interior courtyard is not a singular void but a layered sequence of smaller gardens, corners, and circulation paths. Meandering walkways connect the units while culminating in a semi-public zone with a swimming pool and recreational areas.
The stepped configuration of volumes allows natural light to filter deep into the interiors and ensures cross-ventilation in every unit. Along the façades, perimeter planters soften the edges of the building, allowing vegetation to claim as much visual prominence as the architecture itself.
Each level of the complex offers a distinct living experience. Ground-floor apartments open directly into gardens and include private pools that extend the interiors into the landscape. First-floor units feature broad terraces and jacuzzis, encouraging outdoor living at an elevated level. Second-floor residences enjoy roof gardens and terraces oriented toward the canopy, framing views of the treetops and the shifting light of the jungle sky.
The project’s material palette relies on local and regional elements to reinforce a sense of place. The base is constructed with regional stone, providing a tactile, earthy foundation. Walls are finished with Chukum, a natural coating derived from plant-based processes and sand, which enhances interior brightness while reducing the project’s carbon footprint.
Sustainability measures extend to the rooftops, where solar panels generate renewable energy. Vegetation is encouraged to grow not only in the courtyard but also across the stepped terraces and planter-lined façades, ensuring that the building continues to integrate more deeply with the jungle over time. Neutral tones on slabs and walls give the surrounding landscape visual dominance, creating an architecture that recedes rather than imposes.
Hacienda Wabi is more than a residential project; it is a proposal for inhabiting the jungle that respects and amplifies the environment. Through local materials, passive design strategies, and an emphasis on everyday encounters with vegetation, the project establishes a model where architecture becomes an extension of the landscape, balancing human comfort with ecological sensitivity.
Photo Courtesy: Ariadna Polo
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