'ZENOTE' by DNA recalls the mystical wells of yucatan rainforests

explore the nature-infused ‘ZENOTE’ in tulum, mexico

DNA Barcelona presents ‘ZENOTE’, a new Work-Play-Live concept that embraces the Mexican jungle by evoking the timeless wells or ‘cenotes’ of the Tulum area. These mystical wells, located deep in the Yucatan rainforests, are fed by underwater rivers and were sacred to the ancient Maya civilization.

‘Based on these mythical elements, we developed a project that emerges from the forest, a circular building crowned with vegetation that embraces a central open space full of vegetation that houses the common areas and a large central pool. The façade emulates the colors of the geological cuts that appear in the cenotes, creating a concept of Biophilic Architecture, one of the pillars for DNA Barcelona,’ writes the practice.

all images © DNA Barcelona Architects

The team at DNA Barcelona envisioned ‘ZENOTE’ as a 21,942.45 sqm complex distributed across eight residential buildings, each spanning four floors. The first level houses a shopping area with a bar-restaurant, beach club, swim-ups on the roof-tops, and community pools. Each entrance is secured and equipped with a 24h concierge service. The three other levels accommodate 129 apartments with integrated two, three, or four rooms, a large terrace, plenty of vegetation, and a private jacuzzi.

DNA Barcelona proposes ‘ZENOTE’ as a nature-infused community hub in Tulum

a circular residential complex with its own microclimate

By creating a circular community hub joined at the center by a ‘cenote’, the architects have successfully welcomed a complete immersion in Yucatan nature from all angles and heights. Furthermore, this nature-infused cocoon generates a unique microclimate that reduces hot temperatures without resorting to air conditioning systems, thus allowing cross-ventilation and freshness to infiltrate the ‘ZENOTE’ spaces across all seasons.

the façades emulate the geological cuts appearing in ‘cenotes’

‘DNA presents its relevance in the concept of sustainability, respecting the ecosystem and the biodiversity of the fauna, contributing to the use of natural materials specifically from the Yucatan region, which minimizes the impact of construction and waste generation. The concept of water harvesting is also respected and represents a recovery of river water. DNA’s goal is to find the balance between mind-body-soul to provide a true escape from everyday life, leaving you to enjoy the Mexican lifestyle,’ concludes the team.

a circular design crowned with vegetation and united by a central ‘pit’