A Modern Ruin in the Jungle: Hacienda Wabi by RA!

Hacienda Wabi, designed by RA! in collaboration with Namus, is a residential retreat in Tulum that dissolves boundaries between architecture and jungle. Featuring terraced platforms, private gardens, roof terraces, and locally sourced materials, the project embraces passive climate strategies and ecological harmony, offering residents an immersive connection to nature.

Elif Ayse Sen17 August 20251 Mins read5

A Modern Ruin in the Jungle: Hacienda Wabi by RA!

RA!

Tulum, Mexico

2023

@ra_arquitectos

Hacienda Wabi is a jungle-immersed residential project that dissolves the boundaries between architecture and nature. Conceived by the Tulum-based developer Namus and brought to life by RA!, the complex unfolds as a series of terraced platforms, winding staircases, and layered volumes that gradually appear to emerge from—and eventually blend back into—the surrounding vegetation. Inspired by the poetic decay of ancient ruins, the design reflects the passing of time while echoing the region’s historic settlements.

At the heart of the complex lies a spacious central courtyard that acts as the main organizing element. Around this open core, 15 apartments are distributed across three levels. The central space is punctuated by smaller patios, secluded corners, and meandering paths, ultimately leading to a semi-public zone featuring a swimming pool and leisure areas. The stepped massing ensures each home benefits from abundant daylight and natural cross-ventilation. Perimeter planters soften the building’s edges, allowing greenery to partially cloak the façades and reinforce the impression of vegetation overtaking the architecture.

The layout of each level offers a unique living experience:

Ground floor residences extend into private gardens and pools.
First floor apartments open onto generous terraces and include jacuzzis.
Second floor units are crowned with roof gardens and elevated terraces, offering views that stretch across the jungle canopy.

Locally sourced materials root the project in its context. The building’s base is constructed from regional stone, while walls are finished with Chukum—a plant-based coating mixed with sand that brightens interiors while reducing environmental impact. Solar panels installed on rooftops contribute to the project’s energy efficiency, and greenery flourishes both in the courtyard and in integrated planters. Soft, neutral finishes on walls and floors ensure the surrounding jungle remains the visual protagonist, creating a harmonious dialogue between built form and the natural environment.

Hacienda Wabi embodies a model for living in the jungle where architecture embraces its surroundings through materials of vernacular architecture, passive climate strategies, and a deep connection to vegetation—placing daily life and ecological respect at the core of its design philosophy.

Photography: Ariadna Polo and Christian Velasco