The project rises two levels to house sixteen apartments, all surrounding a vast central courtyard that houses the complex’s common areas.
The project takes its name from the Toh bird, a species from the Riviera Maya recognized for its vibrant plumage and unique tail. These birds are known to be native to Tulum’s “cenotes,” or cavernous sinkholes filled with underground water. The architects honor the majestic birds, interpreting the occupants of the housing project “as if they were these birds that are found around a core of water.” Immediately defined by its use of natural materials, the TOH housing project is surrounded by a façade of locally sourced vine panels. These textural vine panels can also be found within the bedrooms of each unit. The team explains, “Just as the birds rest in the nests, the same will happen to our users.”
This façade is comprised of huge, operable louvers that can be folded or closed depending on the needs of the occupants. This results in an intrinsically dynamic expression that continually transforms depending on the users’ interior. In addition to the regional vines, the team made use of various materials from the area. These include rattan
