Deep within the Yucatán jungle in Mexico, The Trillium by Awakening is shaped as an experience that both stems from, and transcends, its retreat-coded architecture. It is designed to encapsulate an essence of organicity in architecture, wherein material choices and spatial fluidity contribute to a living, breathing structure. Born from the vision of entrepreneurs Adriana Chardi and Martín Löffler, this extraordinary villa embodies sustainability, resilience and a resounding respect for the lush surrounding landscape.

The visual style of the structure, distinctly reminiscent of tropical and sub-tropical architecture, bears a strong resemblance to several popular vacation retreats in places like Bali and Thailand. A staple of these economies, the distinctive aesthetic is often adopted for its serene and nature-embracing qualities. However, in the case of The Trillium, this approach is both a stylistic preference as well as a conscientious response to the local context, rich in flora. The definitive material choices utilising bamboo, chukum plaster and volcanic stone ensure that the villa does not impose itself on its environment, but rather coexists with it.

The Trillium’s design narrative is, furthermore, deeply personal. Initially conceptualised as ‘human cocoons’, a series of enclosed and introspective structures, the project transformed as the creators reconsidered their approach. The result was a symbolic shift from enclosure to openness, inspired by the form of a blooming flower—a testament to expansion, rebirth and interconnectedness with nature.

"When Martín and Adriana approached us, we immediately felt that this was not just another project. They weren’t looking for architects to draw plans; they were inviting us into their vision and dream. That level of trust was both inspiring and humbling. When we first set foot on the site, it all made sense—the land spoke to us, and we knew we had to honour its energy. The idea of a flower emerged naturally, with its petals unfolding in harmony with the jungle, and from that moment, everything started to take shape,” explains Fernando Artigas of NOD Studio.

The Trillium emerges as a hybrid between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary architecture, emphasising spatial fluidity and sustainable construction methods. Unlike conventional architectural projects that rely on industrial construction methods, the Trillium was built by hand, employing traditional artisan techniques. Under the leadership of Felipe Alejandro de la Cruz, local craftsmen from Yucatán and Chiapas meticulously assembled each component, transforming raw materials into an intricate and organic structure.

Bamboo is the primary structural element chosen for its renewability, strength and symbolic resilience. The structure is further enhanced by local materials like chukum—a natural Mayan resin that provides a smooth, durable finish—and volcanic stone, which regulates temperature while adding texture to the design.

Bamboo columns act as a flexible yet sturdy framework engineered to distribute structural loads while maintaining an open, organic appeal. The hand-applied chukum plaster blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, reinforcing the structure while ensuring minimal environmental impact. The volcanic stone elements provide thermal regulation and a visual dialogue between architecture and geology. The studio employs passive cooling techniques, including cross-ventilation and natural shading, eliminating the need for artificial air conditioning, ultimately leading to a low-energy footprint. 

“Designing in such an untouched environment is a challenge—how do you create something that enhances an experience without disrupting the essence of the place? The key was to let nature take the lead. The concept of the three petals came from the idea of balance, a principle deeply embedded in Awakening’s philosophy. The Trillium is not just an architectural object; it is a space that breathes, that connects, that holds meaning. Seeing it come to life has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our careers,” adds Jorge Berea of NOD Studio. 

Curated by Chardi and Löffler, the interior of The Trillium is an extension of the jungle itself. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows shielded by fine mesh screens provide a visual connection between the inside and the outside, while effectively dissolving those boundaries by allowing breezes, jungle scents and the sounds of nature to permeate the space. 

The interior design balances elegance and simplicity by using locally crafted furniture that emphasises natural materials and organic forms, appropriately reflecting the outer envelope of the structure. Using neutral colour palettes allows the textures of stone, wood and bamboo to further refine the aesthetic qualities of the retreat, while traditional Mexican art details add authenticity and cultural depth. The use of soft, high-quality linens reinforces an atmosphere of understated luxury. 

The villa’s centrepiece is a spiral staircase made of bamboo, an architectural and symbolic focal point that diffuses natural light throughout the space while connecting social and private areas. 

The Trillium by Awakening seeks to add the dimension of hand-in-hand sustainability and opulence to its hospitality roots, elevating its intended luxury experience. Its nature-first philosophy, handcrafted approach and conscious sustainable material choices, coupled with the story of its creation being one of resilience, adaptation and deep cultural respect position it as more than a well-designed retreat. It is a statement on the future of architectural ethics, even while its visual language might be reminiscent of other exotic tropical destinations while evading derivativeness. 

Project Details

Name: The Trillium by Awakening
Location: Yucatán, Mexico
Client: Adriana Chardi and Martín Löffler of Awakening Experiencias
Architect: Awakening Experiencias
Design Team: Awakening Experiencias, Fernando Artigas, Jorge Berea
Bamboo Design & Engineering: Felipe Alejandro de la Cruz Urtilla, Martin Löffler