Casa Mulix, designed by Arkham Projects, is a remarkable residential project located in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico. This architectural marvel captures the essence of tranquility and harmony in nature, offering an unforgettable experience for its occupants. The project, completed in 2023, was spearheaded by principal architects Benjamín Peniche Calafell and Jorge Duarte Torre, with the collaboration of a talented design team.
From the moment you lay eyes on Casa Mulix, its captivating presence draws you in, beckoning you to explore its secrets. The facade is dominated by a large floating volume that can open up to embrace panoramic views or close to ensure privacy. During the day, this volume presents itself as a solid block, but at night, it transforms into a magnificent lamp with its interior lighting.
The primary goal of Casa Mulix was to seamlessly integrate the living space with the surrounding natural environment while maintaining a cozy and private atmosphere. Emphasizing the connection to the outdoors, the design prioritized maximizing the views and allowing the beauty of the surroundings to become an integral part of the experience.
A lateral courtyard, spanning three levels of the house, forms the centerpiece of the design, visually connecting different areas and bringing a sense of openness. Upon arrival at Casa Mulix, a grand staircase welcomes you, accompanied by lush vegetation. A small exterior hallway then guides you towards the social areas or the exterior terrace, distributing the space harmoniously.
The social area encompasses the living room, dining room, and kitchen, which can be unified or divided as desired. Opening up this space establishes a direct connection with nature on both sides of the property, facilitating ideal ventilation and providing breathtaking views. The design incorporates framed views of the green landscape on the east and west sides, with the western frame offering more protection from the sun.
Sunlight plays a pivotal role in the design of Casa Mulix. The degree to which the space opens up or provides protection from the elements varies based on the orientation of the house. Small overhangs on the north and south facades shield occupants from the elements while optimizing natural light. On the other hand, the east and west facades open up to embrace the natural landscape or frame the neighboring view.
For instance, the east facade offers a more closed design to frame the view of the neighbor, allowing the residents to enjoy the surrounding vegetation. The central courtyard, visible from the underground, becomes the focal point of the house, with many spaces offering views of this captivating feature. Crossing an outdoor bridge, residents traverse between the interior and exterior of the house, surrounded by greenery and the vast sky.
The upper floor of Casa Mulix was designed with careful consideration. The children’s rooms provide views towards the street and are equipped with a wooden lattice that automatically opens and closes to ensure privacy when needed. Access to the master bedroom requires passing through the social area, creating a sense of journey and discovery.
A double-height space on the right side connects to the underground, evoking a feeling of expansiveness. Upon reaching the master bedroom, a large window greets you, seamlessly merging with the lush vegetation on the north side. The master bathroom, positioned on the west side of the house, features a bathtub connected to a terrace, offering the opportunity to indulge in an outdoor bath.
Casa Mulix presents an unmatched and extraordinary experience, thanks to its exceptional integration with the environment. Every corner of this house has been meticulously designed to maximize views towards the outside and transform the beauty of the landscape into an essential part of the living experience.
The blend of architecture and nature achieves a harmonious balance, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that invites residents to embark on a unique and unforgettable journey in perfect harmony.
