What is Chukum? Our Mission at Chukum USA to share it with the world

Chukum is the Mayan name given to a semi-hard, thorny wood from the forest, rich in tannins and traditionally used for tanning leather. Using a Mayan technique that combines Saskab, Pixoy leaves, and hydrated lime, Chukum was used to coat water storage tank.

This technique was rediscovered and reintroduced to contemporary architecture by architect Salvador Reyes Ríos and his collaborators in 1996 during their intervention at the Temozón Sur hacienda, as described in his book “Lugar, materia y pertenencia” (Place, Material, and Belonging), presented at this expo in 2018.

Several architects attempted to replicate this technique but generally considered it a complex product to obtain and apply. It wasn’t until 2013 that we made its use more accessible in architecture by semi-industrially producing it—without omitting a single step from the traditional method—allowing us to supply nearly any type of project in the state. In 2015, we created the Chukum Base, which opened the door for Chukum to expand throughout the rest of Mexico and the world.

The modern Chukum technique consists of creating a paste made from white or gray cement (depending on the desired tone), fine limestone powder, and water extracted from the bark of the Chukum tree.

It is important to note that both the fine powder and Chukum water possess regional characteristics that optimize the mixture, such as:

• The hardness of the regional water, which is rich in calcium.
• The fine powder extracted from local limestone (hence the bone-white color).
• The maturity and growing region of the tree, which influences the color intensity of the resin.

Sustainable Value:

How can we talk about sustainability when extracting something from a tree? This thorny tree is often cleared for mechanized farmland. Its use in leather tanning has declined due to modern techniques, and it’s been largely forgotten in the Yucatán Peninsula in recent decades.

The rediscovery and renewed use of its bark have added value to this otherwise overlooked species. Today, it’s a new source of income, celebrating regional nature.

The tree must be peeled and cut to allow regrowth from the same root, making the 2-year cycle sustainable. This process is conducted by authorized suppliers with legal permits, currently under regulation to prevent overharvesting.

A space coated with natural Chukum offers the following characteristics:

• Heat reflection: Chukum finishes absorb less heat and reflect more light and heat waves, keeping spaces cooler. Darker colors absorb more heat.
• Humidity resistance: The Chukum resin in the water, when mixed with cement and stone powder, creates microscopic gums that reduce moisture filtration—ideal for water tanks and walls in humid or salty environments.

Saltpeter on walls weakens structures, causes black mold, peeling paint, bad odors, and gives a deteriorated, dark, and abandoned look.

Saltpeter arises from the high alkaline salt content in materials like brick, lime, cement, and water, and from water leaks.

• Low maintenance: For property owners, discoloration, water stains, and repainting can become costly. Chukum helps avoid this over the long term—BUT—buyers should know exactly what product they’re purchasing and who is applying it.

Common Application Issues:

Poor surface preparation or improper hydration causes peeling. Residual dust or oils can also create heat and vapor during application, leading to failure.

Chukum can be applied to any cement-based architecture. It has recently been adopted in minimalist trends thanks to its neutral tone, but it was originally used in restoring pre-Hispanic and colonial architecture.

Minimalism values simplicity and functionality, often using monochromatic palettes of whites, grays, beiges, browns, and blacks. In this context, Chukum’s natural color is ideal.

Architectural spaces with Chukum:

Chukum highlights the elements within a space—including the space itself. In recent years, color has become more popular, leading us to experiment with natural pigments.

In the past 5 years, Chukum has become highly desirable for pools, spas, walls, floors, and concrete furniture—especially in Riviera Maya, Tulum, Riviera Nayarit, Valle de Bravo, San Miguel de Allende, and Tepoztlán.

This popularity has taken us to places like Barbados, Dubai, the United States, Spain, France, and Belize.

We’re on a mission to expand Chukum culture and make it accessible worldwide.