Trava & Quintero Houses by TACO Taller de Arquitectura Contextual

Heritage Restoration in Mérida’s Historic Center

The Trava & Quintero Houses, designed by TACO Taller de Arquitectura Contextual, are two carefully restored residences located in the Santa Lucía neighborhood of Mérida, Mexico. Completed in 2023, these projects focus on heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, and sustainable restoration while transforming former commercial properties into temporary accommodations that embrace the character of Mérida’s historic core.

Context and Urban Significance

Situated just behind one of the city’s most popular public squares, the houses are positioned in a neighborhood known for its cultural vibrancy and tourist activity. The restoration follows conservation guidelines while addressing challenges posed by years of fragmentation and property subdivision in the area. The architects aimed to recover the neighborhood’s original scale, respecting the urban image and historical identity.

Design Approach: From Commercial Spaces to Residential Retreats

Before the intervention, both buildings had been altered multiple times to suit their former commercial functions. The first step in the process was removing added elements to expose the authentic structure. The architects then analyzed the existing spaces, rethinking circulation, entrances, and natural ventilation strategies.

The design enhances cross-ventilation and natural light, redefines spatial flow, and introduces functional layouts aligned with modern living standards.

Restoration and Construction Techniques

The rehabilitation included:

• Reconstruction of slabs to ensure stability and consistency.
• Replacement of deteriorated installations with modern systems.
• Standardization of slab heights for architectural coherence.
• Realignment of doors and windows to harmonize openings.

Materials and finishes were chosen with a focus on authenticity and durability. The original patina of aged walls was preserved where possible, complemented by new lime-based finishes. Waterproof stucco was used in humid areas, while Santo Tomás marble, rough gray concrete, and traditional paste tiles defined the floors. Perimeter joints and permeable gravel surfaces were introduced to address moisture control, a common issue in Mérida’s climate.

Architectural Program

• Casa Trava (left property): 2 bedrooms 1 shared bathroom Kitchen Social area (dining + living room) Half-bathroom Laundry room Open patio Shallow pool
• 2 bedrooms
• 1 shared bathroom
• Kitchen
• Social area (dining + living room)
• Half-bathroom
• Laundry room
• Open patio
• Shallow pool
• Casa Quintero (right property): Loft-style open bedroom Bathroom with bathtub Kitchen Double-height social area Laundry niche Open patio Pool
• Loft-style open bedroom
• Bathroom with bathtub
• Kitchen
• Double-height social area
• Laundry niche
• Open patio
• Pool

These layouts strike a balance between privacy and social living, offering comfortable, contemporary spaces while respecting the historical envelope.

Materiality and Atmosphere

The project’s material palette highlights the dialogue between old and new. Exposed masonry, textured lime finishes, and natural stone floors emphasize the timeless character of Mérida’s vernacular architecture. At the same time, the integration of new installations and finishes ensures resilience against local climate conditions.

The result is a fusion of heritage and modernity, where preserved elements coexist with thoughtful contemporary interventions.

The Trava & Quintero Houses exemplify how restorative architecture can revive historical structures while adapting them to new uses. By balancing cultural preservation, contextual design, and functional innovation, TACO Taller de Arquitectura Contextual contributes to the sustainable revitalization of Mérida’s historic urban fabric.

All Photographs are works of Manolo R. Solís