TULUM PLAZA SUR SUITES

DESIGN CONCEPT

In this project I envisioned a refined yet expressive response to the site in Tulum, where the local climate, natural vegetation and resort‑tourist context demand both comfort and a sense of place. The concept centres on deploying recycled shipping containers as modular volumes, stacked and arranged to allow for generous glazing, shaded decks and cross‑ventilation. The interior adopts a “boho” aesthetic: woven textures, warm wood tones, rattan pendant lighting and natural fibre textiles create a relaxed but refined ambiance. In plan, the container modules are offset to frame views of the tropical vegetation and create interstitial terraces. Sustainability is embedded from the start—via reuse of structure, passive cooling strategies and incorporation of natural materials.

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ARCHITECTURAL & MATERIAL STRATEGY

For the superstructure I utilised standard ISO shipping containers, allowing rapid assembly, structural clarity and reduced embodied energy. The façade treatment pairs the raw metal rhythm of the container walls with timber slatted sunscreens and deep aluminium glazing frames. Internally, the ceilings retain the corrugated metal form for visual authenticity but are clad in acoustic treatment and warm timber elsewhere for comfort. Floor finishes are large‑format porcelain tile in neutral beige tones; joinery is of sustainably harvested tropical hardwood (certified), while fabrics and carpets are in undyed cotton, jute and sisal. Exterior decks are of FSC‑certified hardwood planking. Large sliding glass doors open onto the decks, visually blending interior/exterior and maximising daylight and natural airflow.

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LAYOUT & INTERIOR ORGANISATION

Each suite occupies one or two container volumes. Upon entry, the bed zone is oriented to receive morning light from the shallow terrace, while sliding doors open to create a shaded outdoor lounge. Adjacent to the sleeping zone is an en‑suite wet‑room with rain shower and freestanding tub, separated by a translucent glass partition for light but also privacy. A compact kitchenette and bar area lie near the entrance for guest convenience. Circulation is minimal and linear, preserving usable volume. The deck zone extends the plan outwards, with room for lounge chairs and access to lush planted buffers that provide privacy from adjacent units. Structural stacking allows the upper level suites to cantilever slightly over the lower, creating covered outdoor zones below and a dynamic silhouette on the building exterior.

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LIGHTING, COLOUR SCHEME & AMBIENCE

The colour palette leans into natural and subdued tones: sand (RAL 1015), clay (RAL 8004), olive‑green accents (RAL 6003) and charcoal for metal trims (RAL 7016). Lighting is warm (2700‑3000 K LED) and layered: ambient cove lighting above the timber headboard, pendant rattan lights by the bed, and recessed LED downlights in the wet‑room. On the exterior terraces, uplights highlight the palm trunks and planter edges, fostering a serene evening space. Textiles include off‑white linen curtains, terracotta linen cushions and jute rugs with geometric motifs. The overall ambience is calming but rich in texture, evoking tropical luxury without excess.

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SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Sustainability was a foundational aspect of this project, guiding both design and construction choices from the earliest stages. By repurposing shipping containers as the primary building blocks, we significantly reduced the embodied carbon typically associated with new construction materials. The modularity of the containers also streamlined the build process, resulting in less on-site waste and reduced construction time. The orientation and layout of the suites were carefully calibrated to support passive cooling. Deep overhangs, operable full-height sliding doors, and strategically placed clerestory openings enhance cross-ventilation, allowing the spaces to remain comfortable without reliance on mechanical cooling. These passive design strategies are complemented by high-performance glazing, which minimizes heat gain while preserving generous daylight entry.

All timber used in the interior finishes and exterior decking is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring sustainable forestry practices. Finishes throughout the space are selected for their low-VOC (volatile organic compound) content, contributing to healthy indoor air quality. Textiles and soft furnishings are made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen, and jute, aligning with both environmental and aesthetic intentions. Water conservation is addressed through a rainwater harvesting system integrated into the container roofs, supplying non-potable uses such as irrigation and toilet flushing. Additionally, greywater from sinks and showers is treated and reused for landscape watering, reducing freshwater consumption. The landscaping strategy emphasizes native and drought-tolerant vegetation, further minimizing water demand while supporting local biodiversity.

Energy efficiency is embedded through the use of LED lighting, smart occupancy sensors, and low-consumption appliances. The building is designed to be photovoltaic-ready, with provisions made for the future integration of solar panels across the upper-level canopy structures. This forward-thinking approach ensures adaptability to renewable energy systems as they become more feasible or desired. Overall, the sustainability strategy integrates architecture with climate responsiveness, material responsibility, and long-term ecological awareness, making this a model for low-impact, high-comfort hospitality design.