La Posmoderna
La Posmoderna, a single-family residence in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, is a renovation and extension that transformed a 1980s home with a complex and outdated floor plan and inadequate conditions into a contemporary space that incorporates tropical elements and promotes family interaction.
The renovation prioritized spaciousness, illumination, and ventilation, addressing the challenges of the prior layout through a reorganization plan. The kitchen was expanded to become the central core of the house, seamlessly connecting to the terrace and pool for improved natural light and airflow. The foyer was transformed into a pantry and wine cellar.
On the first floor, the bedrooms were reconfigured to incorporate closets and private bathrooms, providing added convenience and privacy. The staircase was strategically modified with open railings that further enforce the feeling of spaciousness. Structural alterations were also made to optimize the available space, and an extra linen closet was integrated into the upstairs foyer.
The living and dining areas effortlessly integrate with the terrace, garden, and entrance, creating a harmonious transition between indoors and outdoors. Generous green wrought-iron doors and windows accentuate the seamless connection, inviting the tropical breeze and natural light to permeate every corner of the home.
On the exterior, a two-story building with a sloped roof was constructed, harmonizing with the architectural language of the original house. The extension accommodates two additional studios, accessed via an exterior staircase that connects to the dining area on the ground floor. The former service room was transformed into a studio with a visual connection to the pool, providing a tranquil space for relaxation.
In the pursuit of sustainable design, La Posmoderna prioritized minimal intervention and eco-friendly materials. Exterior floors and studio walls were made with clay bricks, and the kitchen was clad with matching tiles of the same material. Most walls retained their original finish, with only minor changes in paint.
Bathrooms were lined with marble, quartz was used in the kitchen, and polished white concrete was used on the floors and some walls. Wood louvers with mosquito screens were strategically installed in the double-height dining area and
laundry area to ensure adequate ventilation. The material choices throughout the residence create a harmonious blend of practicality and environmental consciousness. Respecting the residence’s original character, certain architectural elements, such as some ironwork windows and doors, entrance columns, and concrete cubes on the terrace were preserved, uniting the old with the new.
In addition to the spatial renovation, La Posmoderna embodies the client’s identity through thoughtful landscaping and color choices. Trees from the region were planted to enrich the environment, providing shade and privacy. A warm, neutral
color palette was employed, accented by green ironwork.
The facade balances privacy and glimpses of the outdoors through the design of the fence.
La Posmoderna is an expression of adaptation to the environment, offering a visual and sensory engaging experience. Its focus on family interaction transforms it into a home where architecture and life merge.
