ludwig godefroy draws from mayan temples for brutalist 'casa dzul'

drawing from the pre-colonial heritage of mérida

In Mérida, a Mexican city known for its limestone colonial architecture and a rich Mayan legacy, architect Ludwig Godefroy designs this Casa Dzul. Paying homage to the region’s ancient temples, the structure takes shape with a modern, brutalist style which works to capture the essence of Mayan heritage with its staggered, exposed concrete forms. Thus, it evokes a temple ruin emerging from the lush Yucatán jungle. This home is available to rent through Airbnb, offering travelers a chance to experience the historic design influence translated through a contemporary lens.
images courtesy Airbnb

ludwig godefroy evokes a temple ruin

The team led by Ludwig Godefroy sites its Casa Dzul in Mérida, which is nicknamed ‘The White City’ for its immaculately white-washed buildings, many of which use stone sourced directly from Mayan ruins. With its colonial urban fabric, the Yucatán capital sets the stage for a new architecture that stands in playful opposition to its surroundings. Casa Dzul gracefully disrupts the city’s traditional aesthetic by embracing the allure of cast concrete and harmoniously enveloping itself in lush greenery. Godefroy’s vision weaves together the villa’s concrete volumes and vibrant vegetation, an artistic reinterpretation of Mérida’s famed limestone structures and Mayan heritage.

a retreat for travelers and Remote Workers

Ludwig Godefroy’s Casa Dzul thoughtfully caters to the ‘digital nomads’ which have lately flocked to such destinations in Mexico. A designated workspace and a common area invite guests to stay productive while enjoying the serenity of their surroundings. The villa’s private swimming pool dramatically cuts through the dwelling’s sculptural concrete volumes. Two airy bedrooms are light by clerestory windows carved into the double-height concrete. An abundance of natural light floods the space, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Pivoting steel-frame glass doors open the interior out toward a private courtyard, linking the lush surroundings with the understated, minimalist interior.

Where Tropical Brutalism Meets mexican Heritage

The breezy outdoor courtyard and swimming pool act as the focal point of Ludwig Godefroy-designed Casa Dzul. Amidst the rugged and austere concrete, splashes of vivid color paint the scenery with blue skies overhead while towering trees and swaying fronds infuse a bucolic accent to the garden walls. Throughout the space, curated moments of discovery await guests, from the captivating rock garden to clusters of succulents and palms, all offering unique perspectives through the geometries of the house. Meanwhile, the kitchen showcases the skillful blend of tropical brutalism and cultural heritage. Cast concrete surfaces and built-ins coalesce with walls of rusticated boulder, carefully hand-shaped from stone as a nod to the heritage of the area.

the swimming pool cuts dramatically through the concrete volumes
tropical nature seeps in as interiors open onto landscaped courtyards | image © Jasson Rodriguez
spaces are sculpted from masses of exposed concrete | image © Jasson Rodriguez
the home is curated with minimalist, understated interiorsexposed concrete contrasts with rusticated stone walls | image © Jasson Rodriguez