Header: Oscar Hernandez
In Tulum, Grajales Arquitectos has completed TOH, a new residential building that reinterprets local nature and tradition for modern living. Completed in 2023, this project rethinks apartment living through its deep connection to the local environment and its innovative use of natural materials. The design, led by Carlos Grajales, earned the firm a BLT Built Design Award for Residential Architectural Design.
Inspired by a local bird
The entire concept for the project originates from the Toh bird, a species from the Riviera Maya known for its colorful feathers and distinct tail. These birds often make their homes near the region’s famous “cenotes,” which are natural sinkholes filled with clear groundwater. The architects imagined the building’s residents in a similar way, describing them “as if they were these birds that are found around a core of water.” This idea shaped the building’s layout. The structure rises two levels and contains sixteen apartments arranged around a large central courtyard, which holds all the shared common areas for the residents.
A facade that breathes
The most noticeable feature of TOH is its exterior. The building is covered in a screen made from large panels of locally sourced vines. These are not just decorative elements; they are huge, operable shutters that each resident can fold open or close based on their desire for privacy, sunlight, or air. This clever design means the building’s appearance is always changing, reflecting the life happening inside. The vine panels also appear inside the bedrooms of each apartment. The design team explains their thinking: “Just as the birds rest in the nests, the same will happen to our users.”
A palette pulled from the earth
Beyond the vines, the project showcases a careful selection of materials sourced from the area. The building features rattan, cantera stone with Maya patterns, chukum stucco, and parota wood. This commitment to local resources creates a building that feels like it belongs in its location. The project explores a constant relationship between indoor and outdoor areas, and between private apartments and shared community spaces, all while maintaining a relaxed and respectful environment.
Project info
Design Company: Grajales Arquitectos
Lead Designer: Carlos Grajales
Photo Credit: Oscar Hernandez
Project Location: Tulum
Project Year: 2023
