Residential SERIES  •  Project FEATURE

Casa Kakmo rises as a poetic gesture to Izamal’s luminous spirit, weaving together memory, materiality and climate. The dwelling unfolds in quiet harmony, allowing breezes, filtered light and the gentle presence of water to shape an atmosphere where comfort and cultural reverence coexist effortlessly.

The project is a vibrant homage to the living mythology of Izamal, the famed “Yellow City” of Yucatan. Situated just steps from the revered Kinich Kakmo pyramid, the property embraces its cultural and geographical context with intention. Garrido Lizarraga’s vision was not simply to restore a structure but to craft an immersive environment that captures the warmth, symbolism and sensory richness of the region. Their response is a hospitality-focused residence that feels simultaneously rooted in tradition and refreshed through contemporary design principles. The project unfolds across a long, narrow lot typical of historic Yucatecan parcels, articulated through two porticoes that give the ensemble its architectural rhythm. The main house addresses the street, while a fully appointed guest house sits quietly toward the rear of the property. Between them, the elongated pool becomes the spatial and emotional anchor, a reflective corridor that both separates and unifies. This linear layout not only respects local urban morphology but also fosters a gentle procession of spaces that reveal themselves gradually—an experience that mirrors the unhurried pace of life in Izamal.

"Inspired by Izamal’s radiant heritage, Casa Kakmo embraces climate, craft and color to create a sanctuary where tradition and contemporary comfort coexist in effortless, sunlit harmony."

While the architectural language maintains a contemporary and understated tone, the interior design and decoration were led by Dórica Arquitectura, whose work brings warmth, tactility and cultural continuity to the project. Their careful selection of furnishings, accessories and textiles complements the architectural purity without overshadowing it. Smooth white walls, geometric forms and minimalist lines create a serene backdrop, while Dórica’s curated palette of natural fibers, handcrafted details and soft silhouettes enriches the sensory experience. A defining gesture of Casa Kakmo is its powerful indoor–outdoor relationship. Social areas open generously toward the pool, dissolving thresholds and enabling natural cross-ventilation. This spatial permeability is more than a stylistic choice; it is a climatic imperative in Yucatan, where heat and humidity shape daily life. By encouraging airflow and shading, the design leverages passive strategies historically embedded in regional architecture. The result is a home that feels alive—one that breathes, adapts, and invites guests to live in synchronicity with the local environment.

The interiors adopt a contemporary, understated language that highlights the architectural purity of the volumes. Smooth white walls, geometric forms and minimalist furniture establish a calm, meditative atmosphere. This restraint allows natural textures, light patterns and handcrafted elements to take center stage without overwhelming the senses. The occasional use of Izamal’s emblematic yellow—deep, warm and unmistakably rooted in the town’s identity—adds rhythm and cultural resonance. It is a subtle dialogue between past and present, where color becomes both memory and modern flourish.

"Rooted in cultural memory yet designed for modern living, the house celebrates open-air life, regional materials and the quiet poetry of water, shade and natural breezes."

Materiality plays a central role in grounding Casa Kakmo within its regional context. Granite finishes in the bathrooms, artisanal textiles and handcrafted décor pay homage to Yucatan’s rich craft traditions. The bathrooms, notably one with an interior garden, frame serene moments where vegetation and stone coexist in balance. These carefully curated elements elevate the experience of hospitality by offering not just comfort but a tactile narrative—one that connects guests to the land and its people. Garrido Lizarraga’s decision to integrate local craftsmanship enriches the project on an emotional level, offering authenticity without resorting to cliché.

The three bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with the living room, dining room and kitchen, are designed to flow naturally without hierarchical impositions. This openness fosters the sense of a home that welcomes rather than dictates, encouraging visitors to inhabit the space intuitively. The long pool, visually stretching the length of the property, becomes an ever-present backdrop—an element that cools, reflects and anchors the composition. Its presence generates a microclimate that softens heat while reinforcing the tranquil rhythm of daily rituals.

Beyond its architectural qualities, Casa Kakmo succeeds in crafting a holistic hospitality experience through the combined vision of Garrido Lizarraga and Dórica Arquitectura. The full renovation and the furnishing and decoration from scratch allowed both teams to shape a coherent identity. Regional textiles, minimalist furnishings and lush but quietly integrated gardens form an ambiance that is serene, sensorial and distinctly Yucatecan. The project demonstrates how thoughtful sequencing and cultural awareness can transform even modest footprints into meaningful destinations.

What stands out most is the project’s ability to merge dual purposes—private dwelling and guest accommodation—without compromising intimacy or cohesion. Grounded in climatic logic and cultural essence, Casa Kakmo becomes a retreat that honors Izamal’s luminous charm while offering a contemporary way to experience it. Its strength lies in this synthesis: a place where architecture and interior design become storytelling, and where every space murmurs an invitation to pause, breathe and belong.