Enekén Studio Unveils Casa Skoura: A Desert-Inspired Retreat Rooted in Yucatán’s Ruins

Enekén Studio, under the direction of architect Miguel Tapia, has completed Casa Skoura, a distinctive 115 m² residence located in Yucatán, Mexico. The project reimagines a narrow plot and the existing structure of an old home, creating an efficient and climate-responsive dwelling. Drawing inspiration from Morocco’s Skoura desert, the design incorporates warm, earthy tones through pigmented concrete, traditional Mayan chukum, and pasta tiles.

Nestled slightly outside Mérida, Casa Skoura is characterized by its striking facade and a vibrant, geometric interior. The entrance features a door reminiscent of Mayan ruins, leading into a patio shaded by an avocado tree. Inside, a sunken living room with a conversation pit, inspired by low Moroccan lounges, serves as the home’s social core. The perception of space is amplified by a double-pitched roof that rises from 6 to 8 meters, fostering a sense of openness. A large window frames the surrounding greenery, contributing to a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation and observation.

Por que importa

Preserving history is a key element of Casa Skoura, with Enekén Studio retaining the original stone walls of the former house. One such wall now acts as a significant architectural feature, separating the living and dining areas and grounding the new construction within the site’s past.

The transition from the living space to the landscape is seamless. Beyond the preserved wall, the kitchen and dining area are designed with a sculptural sensibility. The kitchen island functions as a freestanding element that extends into a long table connecting to the terrace, effectively blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. A high square window captures sunlight throughout the day, while large sliding doors open completely, promoting cross-ventilation and maintaining a continuous connection with the environment.

Contexto

The terrace extends the social areas, leading to an outdoor lounge and a rounded swimming pool. These softer, curved forms provide a visual contrast to the home’s overall geometric design. The patio is surrounded by dense vegetation, creating a refreshing oasis where the vibrant greens of the plants complement the colorful architecture.

A secondary volume at the rear of the property houses two bedrooms, a guest half-bath, and a service area. The ground-floor bedroom includes a spacious shower illuminated by a vitroblock mural, creating a unique play of light. The upstairs bedroom echoes the design of the lower one, with subtle variations including a sloped roof and an eye-shaped window in the shower that frames the sky.

The construction emphasizes durability and simplicity. The interior palette features walls finished in orange chukum, red cedar carpentry, pigmented concrete, and handcrafted pasta tiles. Integrated furniture, nightstands, tables, and artwork, all created under the MATA authorship by the architect himself, further highlight the home’s cohesive and low-maintenance design.

Casa Skoura demonstrates how the thoughtful use of local materials, efficient spatial planning, and the integration of existing structures can result in a home that is both serene and contemporary, deeply connected to its location.

Key facts

This project is relevant to Paionia7 readers for its innovative approach to adaptive reuse, its sensitive integration of local materials and climate-responsive design strategies, and its demonstration of how contemporary architecture can honor historical context within a residential setting.

Source: Amazing Architecture – https://amazingarchitecture.com/houses/eneken-studio-designs-casa-skoura-a-compact-desert-inspired-retreat-embedded-in-the-ruins-of-an-old-home