Kati Kaan is a self-sufficient, off-grid beach house located within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in Quintana Roo, on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Due to its isolated location, the project is designed to conserve and recycle as much water as possible, while generating and storing power through solar and wind energy. Adhering to strict local regulations, the house’s footprint is restricted to a compact area within a 100-meter beachfront lot, with a maximum allowable construction of 200 square meters and a height limit of 8 meters above the highest dune.

In response to these conditions, the house is elevated on stilts and situated behind the second dune, minimizing the impact on the site’s highly sensitive vegetation. Cross-ventilation, carefully proportioned openings, and simple, elegant volumes define the spatial design strategies and the façade’s language, prioritizing cost and energy efficiency. The architectural design also integrates several spaces for a direct connection with nature, such as balconies and rooftop terraces on the first and second levels that function as observation platforms. This strategy allows users to experience the breathtaking landscape at different scales, enjoying views of both the nearby ocean and the lagoon.

Natural and local materials were selected throughout the project, including tropical woods, Mexican marble, and limestone. Additionally, a cement-based stucco covers all walls, sealed with a natural finish derived from the bark of the endemic Chukum tree, providing the entire building with a paint-free, low-maintenance finish.