concrete residence with integrated yoga studio weaves around yucatan's endemic trees

Garrido Lizarraga Arquitectos merges house with yoga studio

Garrido Lizarraga Arquitectos introduces Casa Zen, a concrete structure that combines a family home and a yoga studio in Mérida, Mexico. The design features large windows that connect the living spaces with the natural surroundings, letting in light and offering views of the landscape. Exposed concrete, polished cement floors, and black-framed windows create a calm atmosphere, allowing nature to take center stage. In response to the family’s desire to preserve the existing trees on the property, the architects crafted a layout that weaves around the existing trees, with spaces arranged to maintain the connection between the home and its surroundings. A tall, double-height portico serves as the entrance to the house, while a more intimate portico leads to the yoga studio, distinguishing the two spaces with a subtle touch.

all images courtesy of Garrido Lizarraga Arquitectos

Casa Zen’s Yucatán trees reduce the temperature on the site

Inside Casa Zen, Garrido Lizarraga Arquitectos incorporates a central double-height space, crossed by a curved bridge. This bridge links the dining room and kitchen with the first floor, connecting the family room with the bedrooms. This central area becomes the heart of the home, fostering interaction and offering glimpses of the residence’s design through shifts in light, shadow, and varying heights. The home’s simplicity allows the trees and light to make their mark on the space, turning the walls into a canvas for nature’s presence. In preserving 45 endemic trees, the layout by the Mexican firm reduced the site’s temperature while helping to sustain local wildlife, including birds like parrots and hummingbirds. 

combining a family home and a yoga studio

large windows connect the living spaces with the natural surroundings

floor-to-ceiling openings let in light and offer views of the landscape

exposed concrete, polished cement floors, and black-framed windows create a calm atmosphere

inside Casa Zen, Garrido Lizarraga Arquitectos incorporates a central double-height space

a bridge links the dining room and kitchen with the first floor

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interior spaces are designed around the existing trees

Casa Zen’s black-framed windows contrast against the polished white cement floors

the home’s neutral palette of exposed concrete and polished cement reflects the serenity

the central double-height space in Casa Zen fosters family interaction

light and shadow interplay through Casa Zen’s large windows

tall concrete walls act as a backdrop for shifting light

a smaller portico leads to the yoga studio

creating a sense of being immersed in nature

expansive windows throughout Casa Zen allow light to flow freely

the outdoor terrace offers a tranquil space to enjoy the natural surroundings

Casa Zen’s concrete walls blend with the natural landscape

allowing the natural environment to be the focal point

creating a serene environment for family living and yoga practice

Casa Zen preserves 45 endemic trees

a double-height portico marks the main entrance

merging interior spaces with the surrounding trees

project info:

name: Casa Zen

architect: Garrido Lizarraga Arquitectos | @garridolizarraga
designer team: Julio Enrique Garrido, Leonardo Marrufo, José Luis Ojeda
location: Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom