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. http://dlvr.it/SYRg71