Luum Temple Tulum, Mexico
Architects: CO-LAB Design Office Structural calculations: Esteban Morales Completion: 2019 Built area: 250 m2 Located in the emerging touristic destination of Tulum, the Luum Temple is a welcoming space for the community. Built from bamboo, the open structure hosts a variety of programmes including yoga, meditation and workshops. It is part of a new residential development called Luum Zama. Unfortunately, some of Tulum’s development has involved cutting down the jungle. By contrast, Luum Zama sets aside 50% of its 8 hectare area for the conservation of existing vegetation while also implementing reforestation with endemic plants. Luum Zama’s masterplan was also designed by CO-LAB Design Office, raising awareness for protection of the natural resources. Luum Temple is nestled in a conserved area of native jungle and accessed only on foot. The open five-sided structure allows for a rich play of dappled light and shadows. Inspired by Felix Candela’s reinforced concrete shells, the project is a catenary structure made from bamboo where five catenary arches support each other in structural dependency. Parametric modeling guided the construction process, creating new possibilities for one of the oldest traditional building material. The bamboo was farmed sustainably in the neighbouring Chiapas state. CO-LAB worked in close communication with the builders and an engineer specialising in bamboo structures. The arched beams were assembled from flat sections of bamboo bent on site, cold molded on the ground, and then screwed and strapped together to work collectively as one element. Once the arches were raised they were woven together by a structural triangular pattern and then further bound by two continuous layers of bamboo lattice, interlaced in opposite directions for structural stability. The structure was de116
signed and calculated to resist hurricane forces. On the exterior, a layer of local Zacate (grass thatch roof) typical of the region protects the structure from the rain. Built Examples