Casa Xixim is a sustainably designed getaway home by Specht Novak and Louise Harpman, situated on a narrow site on the ecologically protected Soliman Bay in Tulum, Mexico. Casa Xixim is a house that works harmoniously with its surroundings while allowing an environmentally immersive living experience. The 4,800 square feet villa is designed as a cohesive vacation space for families and groups of friends—with a primary suite for everyone.

The villa is self-sufficient, with minimal environmental impact, immersing guests in the range of biomes the site offers. A lush, tranquil entrance path to Casa Xixim leads from a mangrove marsh through a palm grove into a main living space fully open to the exterior. The path continues through an erosion-protective dune garden to the beach beyond. You can see more about Casa Xixim’s green design and practices on Casa Xixim’s blog here.

SOURCES:

Macrame: Enrique Escudero / Máak-An, based in Merida

Ceramics and dishes: La Chicharra Cerámica in Oaxaca

Coffee mugs: Taller Escarabajo in Tulum

Mural, address, table, and chair: Lauren Napolitano 

Beds, dressers, dining table, coffee tables, beach loungers: various local carpenters

The distinction between interior and exterior dissolves, and the house and procession through the site merge to become part of one continuous experience. 

The living spaces at Casa Xixim are designed to maximize connectivity with nature, providing an open, airy environment that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. Each primary bedroom suite is thoughtfully decorated with natural materials, artisan-made decor, and a neutral color palette, allowing Casa Xixim’s inhabitants to unwind in their own personal oasis.

All bedrooms open onto a series of terraces, both planted and habitable, providing another series of vantage points from which to experience the site. The uppermost level features a roof deck with hammocks suspended from a photovoltaic canopy.  

All of the art and furniture pieces are local and eco-friendly designs, curated by Dave and Jenny Blizard by engaging with a host of local artisans. “The furnishings in Casa Xixim were designed by Dave and hand-built locally or sourced from the artisans themselves, ensuring an authentic, custom touch that supports local craftsmanship,” says proprietor Jenny Blizard. 

“We have a very clear aesthetic that forges the feeling of being rooted in this unique location of the world and an intention to support the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting furniture. Additionally, all our textiles, decor, and ceramic dinnerware are handcrafted in Mexico, adding to the reverence and charm of the villa.”

Highlights include the stunning 11.5-foot wood dining table crafted by a local woodworker out of sustainably sourced Parota wood. The main living area’s feature wall consists of beautiful pasta tiles that are made in Merida, Yucatan – a traditional craft that adds a touch of cultural heritage and elegance to the space. Jenny selected the pattern and customized the color palette to match the colors of the ocean and the jungle that envelopes the space.

The villa features custom macrame wall hangings by Enrique Escudero of Máak – An Macramés, and an installation of 20 hand-carved jaguar heads that guests can purchase off the wall.

Instead of glass windows, Casa Xixim uses louvers with screens, a local building technique that allows natural ventilation while keeping the elements out. The villa expands on this idea by creating sliding doors to allow spaces to be wide open with nature. This design choice enhances airflow and reduces reliance on air conditioning. Casa Xixim’s commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted in the principles of permaculture design.

By thoughtfully integrating eco-friendly practices and technologies, the site’s footprint works in harmony with the natural environment, minimizing impact while providing a luxurious and sustainable experience for its inhabitants. The house features a photovoltaic solar array, rainwater collection, and a constructed composting wetlands filtration system.

The structure’s green roofs embody the permaculture principle of stacking functions by providing insulation for the rooms below, contributing a green footprint with pollinator gardens, and creating additional green spaces that enhance the villa’s aesthetic appeal.

Further, Casa Xixim operates on a net-metered solar system, harnessing the abundant sunlight of Tulum to provide clean, renewable energy. This reduces the reliance on non-renewable energy sources and lowers the property’s carbon footprint.

What We Love: This family retreat in Mexico offers a serene escape that reflects a deep commitment to eco-friendly practices and high-end comfort. Every design choice in this holiday home is locally sourced, from the handcrafted furnishings to the natural materials, creating a harmonious blend of sustainability and style. A standout feature is the stunning tile wall—beautiful pasta tiles made in Mérida, Yucatán. Though designed for floors, they make a perfect statement on this wall.

Tell Us: Would this Tulum getaway home be your idea of the perfect family retreat? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the country of Mexico: Step inside this insane organic modern dream home in Cabo San Lucas and Incredible modern home surrounded by mountains of northeast Mexico.

PHOTOGRAPHER Taggart Sorensen

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