San Cristobal House / Marc Perrotta

The old house in the historic center of Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan, had clumsy additions that were removed and replaced with a clear and contemporary addition that created three lush courtyards for maximum natural light and cross breezes. Besides a historic, stone house, the site also provided a large, existing royal palm tree. In an effort to save the tree and create a more intimate relationship with the existing tree, the house was designed to wrap around the tree. The existing historic house was renovated with a restored facade and new finishes emblematic of Merida’s historic architecture, such as rough plaster walls and colorful 'pasta' tile floors. The original house's steel beams and arched ceiling were restored.