How Casa Zapota Redefined Living Among Nature
TULUM, Mexico – Nestled within the verdant jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula, Casa Zapota stands as a beacon of modern simplicity amidst the lush tropical landscape. This architectural marvel, completed in 2011 and left in a semi-abandonment state, has recently undergone a transformative renovation at the hands of the artist duo Daniel and Nazarene. The Brazilian and Argentine, respectively, discovered the building and envisioned it as a home and a creative workshop under their joint art and interior design studio, Ego Killah, located in the heart of Tulum.
Casa Zapota’s minimalist design, characterized by its horizontal layout and expansive open spaces, seamlessly integrates the vibrant exterior landscape through large windows that serve as living paintings. This design philosophy ensures that the dense tropical vegetation surrounding the house is a natural barrier against the urban chaos and the bustling tourism that frequents Tulum year-round for its crystal-clear beaches, ancient archaeological sites, and nature adventures.
Upon finding Casa Zapota, Daniel and Nazarena were met with a significant challenge: the encroachment of nature into the interior space. Yet, they saw this not as a setback but an opportunity to infuse their lifestyle and artistic vision into the renovation. The house’s remote location posed a substantial hurdle in completing the project, given the limited number of nearby stores and suppliers and the logistical difficulties of transporting materials through the jungle. This situation led the couple to take a hands-on approach to much of the renovation and furniture production.
The guiding principle for the renovation was not to overhaul the existing architecture but to adapt it to the needs of a domestic environment that also serves as an art studio, gallery, and client reception area. Daniel and Nazarena achieved this by blending original elements with custom-made furniture, artwork, and vintage relics. Most of the furniture was designed and crafted by the owners using local materials, while some pieces were sourced from old farms in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo regions. A select assortment of upholstery came from the local Terreo Decor store in Tulum, with vintage chandeliers and candle holders from Brooklyn and Paris added later. The extensive collection of paintings and sculptures at Casa Zapota are the couple’s works, embodying their creative journey.
The primary aim of the renovation was to create a living space that eschews theatrical interior design in favor of an aesthetic and functional balance that complements the artists’ creative and exhibitory processes. Inspired by Picasso’s home’s chaos and beauty, the outcome is a creative space that captures the essence of the owners’ vision.
Casa Zapota is more than a testament to Daniel and Nazarena’s artistic collaboration; it symbolizes the fusion of nature with modern design and embodies the spirit of Tulum. Their project is an inspiring example of how creativity can transform space, blending the wildness of the surrounding jungle with the serene minimalism of contemporary architecture.
As Casa Zapota opens its doors to the public, it stands as a monument to the possibilities of artistic vision and Tulum’s enduring appeal as a nexus of culture, nature, and architecture. This unique blend of elements makes Casa Zapota a residence and a landmark of creative expression in the heart of the Yucatan.
