As I’ve previously written about here, I’m currently building a house in Merida, Mexico on the Yucatan peninsula.
In the fall of 2020, after visiting Merida multiple times in the last several years, I found an amazing property online in the neighborhood of Jesus Carranza, just a few blocks from the city’s main thoroughfare, Paseo Montejo. It’s nearly 50 feet wide on the main entrance side, 100 feet deep with a separate street entrance around the corner, with a 30 x 40 foot “bonus lot”.
Over the past year and a half I’ve been working long distance with my friend, architect Erik Gonzales of Gonzales Estudio on a plan for the main house remodel with an addition of a new facade, courtyard, parking area, office with a 3 bedroom, 2 bath guest “casita” (little house) with its own kitchen next to the 11 meter lap pool at the rear of the property.
The two-story casita is built of cinderblock and one end is covered with masonry using a technique widely used in this part of Mexico called Mamposteria. The area dug out for the pool, like the entire property is essentially rock with very little dirt. The 19th century colonial homes in Merida were built entirely using this technique, the only two other ingredients requited are cement and a skilled stone mason.
The rear facade of the existing structure had one area I gave as an example of the technique that I like. Not repeating, but rather fluid and artisanal. And the end result you’ll see in the Instagram posts achieve that effect.
The other marvel just completed was the concrete spiral staircase which was build with just rebar, plywood molds and cement. Another artisanal concoction, this took a while to complete but the end result I’m VERY happy with.
The ends of the lower terrace as well as the front railing are adorned with what appears to be breeze block. Breeze block was used in the mid-century, particularly in warm climates like Mexico and Souther California to great effect. But what looks like breeze block is actually corner cinder block stones turned sideways and alternated. They will be stained dark grey.
Merida was just named the #6 Best Large City in the world by Condé Nast Traveler in their 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards. (1-5 were Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Singapore & Istanbul)
6. Mérida, Mexico
The streets of Mérida are bursting with the colorful facades of Spanish colonial architecture, but the capital of Mexico’s Yucatan state is also steeped in Mayanhistory. Centrally located on the Yucatan Peninsula, the city is an easy day trip to UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the ancient cities of Uxmal and Chichen Itza, and the beaches on the Gulf shore in Progreso. Locals recommend visiting Fundación de Artistas, a nonprofit featuring art exhibits in a 19th-century home; Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, a modern cultural museum; and the traditional Yucatecan food at the super casual Manjar Blanco. –Condé Nast Traveler, Reader’s Choice Awards, 2021
Vogue just put Merida at the top of their “8 Places to Visit in 2022” list:
“Merida, Mexico still manages to fly under the radar, despite its proximity to incredible Mayan ruins and neon-blue cenotes. Plus, it has a unique culinary scene that runs the gamut from perfectly fried street cart churros to haute takes on traditional dishes by chefs like Pedro Evia, whose restaurant Kuuk is a critical darling. Look around for some excellent lodging options, including rooms in sprawling historic haciendas and sleek little city apartments.” –Laura Motta, Senior Director of Content at Lonely Planet
