We want to thank Yanko Design magazine for publishing our project Zenote, Tulum, Mexico.

The ‘cenotes’ of Tulum, Mexico are quite iconic and proclaimed by now. These timeless wells are natural pits or sinkholes that are created when limestone bedrock collapse, in turn exposing groundwater. Considered mystical and magical, these wells populate the depths of the Yucatan rainforest, and were considered sacred to the ancient Maya civilization. And these mysterious water bodies have inspired ‘ZENOTE’ – a Work-Play-Live concept designed by DNA Barcelona.

With ZENOTE, DNA Barcelona attempts to embrace the Mexican jungle by drawing inspiration from the ‘cenotes’. ZENOTE is meant to be a circular building defined with vegetation and greenery, with a central open space functioning as the focal point of the site. “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,” said the studio.

ZENOTE is meant to be a 21,942.45 sqm complex that consists of eight residential buildings, each including four floors. The first floor will house a shopping area, bar-restaurant, beach club, community pools, a swim-ups on the rooftop. The other three storeys will hold 129 apartments with two, three, or four rooms, as well as a huge terrace, private jacuzzi, and loads of vegetation. All the entrances are secured and provided with a 24-hour concierge service. ZENOTE functions as a circular community hub with a ‘cenote’ placed in the center, which allows a harmonious connection with Yucatan nature.

ZENOTE can be considered a cocoon, since it has a rather unique micro-climate of its own, which reduces hot temperatures, and allows cross-ventilation without using any kind of air conditioning system. “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,” DNA concluded.

We want to Puro Diseño magazine for publishing our project Zenote, Tulum, Mexico.

The building is a community center in Mexico immersed in nature and evoking the mystical wells of the Yucatan rainforests. Get to know the fabulous Zenote Project Tulum.

Biophilic architecture flourishes in the lush landscape of Tulum, Mexico, in Spanish architecture studio DNA Barcelona’s Zenote project.

The work is immersed in the tropical Mexican jungle and is inspired by and refers to the wells or ‘cenotes’ of ritual use in ancient Tulum.

They are wells located deep in the tropical jungles of Yucatan, underwater rivers ran inside them, and for the ancient Mayan civilization they were considered sacred places.

“From 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,” say the developers of the mega project under the concept of biophilic architecture.

The façade of what will be the community center in Mexico replicates the natural geological colors and textures of the area.

Zenote Project Tulum covers a total area of ​​just over 21,000 square meters, distributed in eight residential buildings with four floors each.

The first level contains a commercial area, including gastronomic spaces, beach club, swim-ups on the roofs and community pools. And the other three levels present 129 apartments with two, three or four integrated rooms, with a large terrace, private jacuzzi, and all under a blanket of lush vegetation.

The silhouette of the Zenote project proposes a circular complex, with the cenote in the center, uniting the monumental building.

Among other benefits, this arrangement of the building generates a total immersion in the nature of Yucatan, and at the same time generates a special microclimate that reduces the high temperatures of the place.

In this way, cross ventilation reduces the use of air conditioning, which produces a reduction in energy consumption.

Sustainability is another concept of the Zenote Project Tulum “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 the generation of waste -explain its creators – The concept of water collection is also respected and represents a recovery of river water”.And the DNA team adds that the goal of the project is to find the balance between mind-body-soul “to provide a true escape from everyday life, allowing you to enjoy the Mexican lifestyle.”

We want to thank Peninsula Construye magazine for publishing our project Tulum Luxury Villas.
The entire philosophy of DNA Barcelona is perceived in the concept proposed by the studio for luxury villas in Tulum. Designed as a perfect fusion between nature and architecture, with a Zen and organic spirit, embraced by a circular shape adapted to an elliptical shape that generates two different levels. The lower level houses the day area, while the upper level serves as the night area. Each villa also features a customizable roof top space, complete with options like a barbecue area or Jacuzzi above the jungle. An area for leisure. This floor is covered with a porch made of photovoltaic panels that generate organic energy to illuminate the façade of the building. Inspired by the concept of a nest, the interior of the villas is designed to establish a strong connection with nature. The use of glass allows visual and sensory opening, bringing beauty from the outside in. The outer skin can be customized with a variety of textures and patterns, incorporating materials such as liana and bamboo. This approach not only provides privacy, but also filters and shading light, creating ventilation and introducing a sound-dampening texture. A skin full of exuberant vegetation, allowing residents to have a direct and intimate relationship with nature, from each stay pure biophilia. DNA Barcelona villas are highly versatile. They can be adapted to the needs and preferences of each client. The layout allows for three bedrooms with a double-height living room, or can be expanded to accommodate four or five bedrooms. Furthermore, the outer skin can be customized, ensuring that each villa is a unique and sculptural masterpiece. DNA Barcelona’s holistic and sustainable approach is applied to the construction methods: the adoption of dry bio-construction techniques minimizes the ecological impact and guarantees a fast execution of the project. Interior design also plays a crucial role, as each villa offers a different aesthetic, giving clients the opportunity to personalize their living spaces and create a personalized sanctuary to suit their individual style. DNA Barcelona has revolutionized the design of luxury villas in Tulum, embracing the principles of biophilia and organic design. Its circular and customizable villas integrate perfectly with nature, creating spaces that foster a deep connection with the environment. With flexible floor plans and interior design options, these villas offer clients the opportunity to create a truly unique living experience. DNA Barcelona’s commitment to sustainability and innovative design distinguishes them as pioneers in the field of architecture.

We want to thank ioArch magazine for publishing our Tree Life biophilic project in work in progress section.
Tree Life Hotel Boutique is the first hotel in the world where the user can find a true connection between body-mind-soul. Read more about in the bottom.
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