Tulum Plaza Sur is a contemporary commercial-hospitality hybrid development that embodies the ethos of circular architecture through the adaptive reuse of shipping containers. Located in the tropical context of Tulum, Mexico, this structure responds to both environmental and cultural contexts with a raw, honest material language and a bold structural rhythm. The design celebrates modularity and prefabrication. The recycled containers form the core volumetric units, arranged in a stacked linear configuration across three levels. The ground level houses commercial spaces, conceived as flexible retail modules that activate the street frontage, while the upper two levels accommodate hotel suites offering a balance of privacy and openness. The architectural concept was to create a low-impact, modular complex that could be constructed rapidly and disassembled or modified with minimal environmental footprint.
The building presents a rhythmic facade composed of exposed structural frames and diagonal wooden slats that function as sunbreakers. These slats are not only an aesthetic gesture, giving the elevation dynamic texture, but also perform an environmental role, reducing solar gain in Tulum’s hot climate. The material palette is anchored in its commitment to sustainability and regional expression. Corten-style steel elements echo the patina of time, while locally sourced tropical wood brings warmth and organic tactility. The containers themselves—painted and insulated—retain their industrial geometry but are softened with natural materials and shading devices. The slanted concrete fins reinforce the structural modularity while serving as expressive brise-soleils and lateral supports.
The exploded axonometric drawing reveals a clear and efficient modular assembly. Each floor is defined by a consistent container grid, which facilitates repetition in planning and construction. Circulation cores—staircases and access corridors—are positioned laterally and to the rear, maximizing usable frontage and natural ventilation for each unit. The retail level is fully glazed at street level, allowing visibility and openness, ideal for commercial interaction. Hotel suites above are provided with private balconies set behind the wooden lattice, ensuring both shade and filtered views. Overhangs and extended eaves on the top level provide additional passive cooling, vital in the tropical climate.
This project embodies key principles of circular architecture by reusing industrial materials—most notably shipping containers—thus reducing demand for new construction resources. The structure is highly modular, allowing for adaptability over time. Passive cooling techniques are employed through orientation, shading systems, cross-ventilation, and thermal insulation strategies applied to the metal containers. Rainwater harvesting systems and potential integration of solar panels (suggested by roof form and context) enhance environmental performance. Wood cladding is likely sourced from renewable forests, and minimal ground excavation respects the natural permeability of the site.
The axonometric breakdown clearly communicates a layered, prefabricated approach: base slab foundation, modular steel framework, infilled containers, and panelized façades. Each component is dimensionally coordinated for efficient assembly and future disassembly, reinforcing the circular concept. The open steel frame not only defines structural support but also allows for architectural expression through diagonal bracing and shading elements. This construction logic ensures minimal site disturbance and rapid on-site erection, making it an ideal strategy for developing areas with growing tourism demand but sensitive ecological surroundings.
DIRSA
Tulum Plaza Sur is a contemporary commercial-hospitality hybrid development that embodies the ethos of circular architecture through the adaptive reuse of shipping containers. Located in the tropical context of Tulum, Mexico, this structure responds to both environmental and cultural contexts with a raw, honest material language and a bold structural rhythm. The design celebrates modularity and prefabrication. The recycled containers form the core volumetric units, arranged in a stacked linear configuration across three levels. The ground level houses commercial spaces, conceived as flexible retail modules that activate the street frontage, while the upper two levels accommodate hotel suites offering a balance of privacy and openness. The architectural concept was to create a low-impact, modular complex that could be constructed rapidly and disassembled or modified with minimal environmental footprint.
The building presents a rhythmic facade composed of exposed structural frames and diagonal wooden slats that function as sunbreakers. These slats are not only an aesthetic gesture, giving the elevation dynamic texture, but also perform an environmental role, reducing solar gain in Tulum’s hot climate. The material palette is anchored in its commitment to sustainability and regional expression. Corten-style steel elements echo the patina of time, while locally sourced tropical wood brings warmth and organic tactility. The containers themselves—painted and insulated—retain their industrial geometry but are softened with natural materials and shading devices. The slanted concrete fins reinforce the structural modularity while serving as expressive brise-soleils and lateral supports.
The exploded axonometric drawing reveals a clear and efficient modular assembly. Each floor is defined by a consistent container grid, which facilitates repetition in planning and construction. Circulation cores—staircases and access corridors—are positioned laterally and to the rear, maximizing usable frontage and natural ventilation for each unit. The retail level is fully glazed at street level, allowing visibility and openness, ideal for commercial interaction. Hotel suites above are provided with private balconies set behind the wooden lattice, ensuring both shade and filtered views. Overhangs and extended eaves on the top level provide additional passive cooling, vital in the tropical climate.
This project embodies key principles of circular architecture by reusing industrial materials—most notably shipping containers—thus reducing demand for new construction resources. The structure is highly modular, allowing for adaptability over time. Passive cooling techniques are employed through orientation, shading systems, cross-ventilation, and thermal insulation strategies applied to the metal containers. Rainwater harvesting systems and potential integration of solar panels (suggested by roof form and context) enhance environmental performance. Wood cladding is likely sourced from renewable forests, and minimal ground excavation respects the natural permeability of the site.
The axonometric breakdown clearly communicates a layered, prefabricated approach: base slab foundation, modular steel framework, infilled containers, and panelized façades. Each component is dimensionally coordinated for efficient assembly and future disassembly, reinforcing the circular concept. The open steel frame not only defines structural support but also allows for architectural expression through diagonal bracing and shading elements. This construction logic ensures minimal site disturbance and rapid on-site erection, making it an ideal strategy for developing areas with growing tourism demand but sensitive ecological surroundings.
DIRSA
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