
In the endless quest for privacy and escape from the demands of daily city life, architects must continue to think outside the box. For Mexican studio V Taller, such debates led them to design Babel, a holiday apartment retreat near the pre-Columbian Mayan walled city of Tulum, in Quintana Roo, a Mexican state on the Yucatán Peninsula. Located on a once barren plot, this restorative retreat is just minutes from the jungle and offers easy access to a network of cenotes and the chance to snorkel among vibrant coral reefs.
Babel Tulum is defined by soft curves and an organic colour palette that integrates with the landscape. The architectural inspiration draws from the rich heritage of haciendas in Yucatán, particularly in the elegant handling of arches and vaults that nod to the local vernacular, but with a minimalist twist.