AZULIK Residence is the home of Eduardo Neira, Roth and is nestled in the same compound as AZULIK UH MAY, an interdisciplinary centre for art and culture located 2.5 km northeast of Tulum in the village of Francisco Uh May. Here, one can find macrame, ceramics, fashion, and glass workshops organically ensconced within the Mayan jungle.

Wholly inspired by the natural contours of nature, Roth’s home is a shape-shifting masterpiece that takes a biomorphic approach to design. Breaking with conventional modern materials such as glass and steel, the majority of the site was built using three materials: concrete, wood and bejuco, the latter being a resilient climbing plant that Roth uses to make amazing walkways, walls, ceilings and benches.

All this was achieved without cutting down a single tree. In fact, AZULIK Residence incorporates dozens of trees that act as a bridge between the outside and interior world. Furthermore, the grounds of the house follow the contours of the jungle floor, which results in unconventional forms.

Fascinated by Mayan spirituality and philosophy, the Argentine-born architect lets Mayan culture be his guide. The self-taught architect and environmentalist cedes control to the natural world to prove that humans are only supporting characters in Mother Nature’s grand theatre. Ultimately, Roth’s home is a whimsical fantasy turned into reality, an unplanned puzzle, a curated dance between nature and mankind.