Enekén Studio designs Casa Skoura, a compact desert-inspired retreat embedded in the ruins of an old home
Enekén Studio, led by architect Miguel Tapia, presents Casa Skoura, a 115 m² project in Yucatán, Mexico, that transforms a narrow lot and the remains of an old structure into an efficient, climate-responsive home defined by earthy materials, generous heights, and a deep connection to nature. Taking inspiration from the Skoura desert in Morocco, the house embraces the warm orange tones of its sand, reinterpreting them through pigmented concrete, chukum, and traditional pasta tiles.
Located slightly away from the city center, Casa Skoura distinguishes itself through a striking façade and a geometric, vibrant interior, where local materials take on a bold and expressive presence.
The walkthrough begins with a front door inspired by Mayan ruins, leading into a patio shaded by a large avocado tree. Inside, the sunken living room with a conversation pit—inspired by low Moroccan lounges—becomes the social heart of the home. In this space, the perception of scale shifts, enhanced by the double-pitched roof rising from 6 to 8 meters, which creates a striking sense of spaciousness. A large window frames the lush greenery outside, establishing a tranquil environment for gathering, relaxing, and watching the rain through the generous openings.
As with other Enekén Studio projects, the intervention preserves the existing stone walls of the old house. One of these original walls becomes a defining architectural element, visibly dividing the living and dining areas and embedding the new structure within the memory of the ruin.
A seamless flow from living to landscape Passing the old wall, the kitchen and dining area unfold, designed with a sculptural approach. The kitchen island, conceived to resemble a freestanding piece of furniture, extends into a long table that reaches the terrace, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior. A high square window plays with sunlight throughout the day, while the large sliding door folds completely open to allow cross-ventilation and maintain a continuous connection with the outdoors.
The terrace becomes a natural extension of the social areas, leading to an outdoor lounge and a rounded swimming pool. These soft, curved forms contrast with the home’s clean geometry. Dense vegetation surrounds the patio, creating a refreshing oasis where the vibrant greens of the plants beautifully contrast with the colorful architecture.
Compact yet generous At the back of the property, a second volume houses two bedrooms, a guest half-bath, and a service area. The ground-floor bedroom features a king-size bed and a bathroom with double orange Ticul stone sinks and a spacious shower illuminated by a mural of vitroblock, creating a unique play of light.
On the upper floor, the second bedroom mirrors the lower one with subtle differences: a sloped roof, an eye-shaped window in the shower that frames the sky, and an exceptional view toward the pool.
Materials and low-maintenance design The entire home is crafted with a focus on durability and simplicity. Walls of orange chukum, red cedar carpentry, pigmented concrete and handcrafted pasta tiles define the character of the house. All built-in furniture, nightstands, tables, and artwork crafted under the MATA brand, emphasizing the home’s integrated and low-maintenance nature.
Casa Skoura highlights how simple local materials, efficient spatial strategies, and thoughtful integration of existing structures can create a home that feels serene, contemporary, and deeply rooted in its place. Text description by the architects.
