SOUTH TULUM
The Cardinal Quadrants of Iktan Tulum
IKTAN honours ancient Mayan cosmology through four proposed zones, each embodying both physical and spiritual aspects of their respective cardinal directions, expressed through carefully chosen materials and textures native to Tulum.
The convergence of cardinal directions isn't merely symbolic – it's a spatial thesis. Each quadrant's material palette responds to its solar aspect, creating micro-climates that shift with the day's rhythm. Traditional Maya builders understood this; we've simply added contemporary tools to their timeless knowledge.
_ESTE
NORTE_
_OESTE
SUR_
Rich terracotta and desert rose tones ground this realm in the earth while reaching toward the rising sun. Here, textures shift through 500 distinguishable shades as daylight moves across sculpted surfaces, creating an ever-evolving visual journey. Natural materials – from woven palm to polished clay – capture and reflect morning light in ways that honor traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern luxury.
Living walls and bio-architecture integrate seamlessly with both landscape and sky, blurring boundaries between inside and out. The space serves as a physical embodiment of new beginnings, where each sunrise brings fresh perspective and possibility.
Expressed through luminous whites and ancient tree resin finishes that age with grace, the North Quadrant stands as a testament to timeless knowledge. Chukum techniques passed down through generations create surfaces that naturally regulate temperature while telling stories of craft evolution. Cooling breezes flow through thoughtfully positioned archways and corridors, creating contemplative spaces ideal for gathering and reflection.
Materials here grow more beautiful with time – textural elements deepen, surfaces develop patina, and architectural details reveal new subtleties with each passing season. This is where tradition meets innovation, bridging ancestral wisdom with contemporary comfort.
As day yields to night, sophisticated dark finishes and dramatic shadows define spaces of transformation and reflection. Water features mirror the setting sun while materials chosen for their depth – volcanic stone, darkened woods, and midnight-hued surfaces – create a sense of grounding and release. The connection to cenotes and underground water systems adds layers of meaning and mystery.
This is where boundaries blur and transitions are honoured, with materials and design elements that celebrate the liminal space between light and shadow, movement and stillness.
Sun-warmed earth tones ranging from sand to subtle rose create an environment that pulses with vitality and potential. Local limestone and clay carry the fingerprints of centuries while providing natural temperature regulation. Surfaces warm to touch, responding to human presence while maintaining connection to the earth below.
Here, traditional materials ground modern luxury in place, creating spaces that honor growth and renewal while maintaining deep roots in the landscape. Each element is chosen to age beautifully, developing character that speaks to both past and future.
