Art and Research Centre
Nestled in the heart of Tulum jungle, Mexico.
Ik Muluk
Art, materials and shared learning
A place to make, learn and exchange.
IK‑Muluk is an independent, artist-led project taking shape near Tulum, Mexico. We bring together art, ecological material experimentation and practical learning, connecting people across cultures with a particular bridge between Ireland and Mexico.
Founded by Kathrina Rupit and Joey Baker, the centre is being built through our artistic work and the contributions of a growing circle of collaborators.
Currently under development · Preparing for the 2027 season
🌱If you’re curious to learn more or wish to get involved, we’d love to hear from you, email us at: ik.muluk@gmail.com
Building with Sugarcane Bagasse in Community
Sugarcane bagasse, the fibrous by-product of sugar extraction is the primary construction material used at IK-Muluk, enabling the reuse of agricultural waste within a circular economy framework. By transforming a locally available residue into a functional building resource, the project reduces material waste and reliance on high-carbon construction inputs.
To support comparative research and innovation, selected areas of the site incorporate hybrid construction methods, combining bagasse with bamboo and, in limited sections, conventional cement block. These parallel systems are intentionally implemented to evaluate environmental impact, thermal performance, durability, cost, and resource efficiency under identical climatic conditions.
Through this approach, IK-Muluk serves as a testing and learning environment for low-impact construction methods, offering practical observations that may help inform climate-responsive building practices in similar ecological contexts.
Learning through place & practice
We are developing IK‑Muluk as a place where artists, designers, makers and learners can explore how their work relates to the environments that sustain it.
Working within a fragile tropical ecosystem brings questions about materials, water, energy and land into everyday creative decisions. Through practical experimentation and shared work, we explore approaches that use resources more thoughtfully and support more regenerative ways of making.
Exchange is central to this process. People arriving from Ireland and other countries bring different skills and perspectives, while local contributors share their own experience and knowledge. Everyone has something to offer—and something to learn.
Our aim is for the learning to travel beyond IK‑Muluk: informing participants’ practices, strengthening relationships and opening possibilities for further collaboration in Mexico and abroad.
BIOCONSTRUCTION
WORKSHOP
Bioconstruction workshop · February 2026
Over three days, IK‑Muluk welcomed more than 20 attendees and seven contributors for a practical exchange exploring sugarcane bagasse, hemp and natural plaster finishes.
Participants tested material mixes, learned how to make, level and install sugarcane bagasse blocks, and explored forming walls by packing a bagasse mixture into temporary plywood moulds. Sessions also introduced plaster finishes, colouring methods and application techniques.
The learning extended to the contributors themselves. Working in different countries and climates had led them to different approaches. Comparing their experiences opened questions about how materials behave, why techniques vary and what might work in another setting.
For some contributors experienced in hemp and bagasse construction, the natural plastering sessions offered new possibilities through demonstrations involving clay, wax and lime-based materials.
The workshop put a central principle of IK‑Muluk into practice: everyone brings knowledge, and everyone has something to learn.
2026
Our Activities.
The intersection of art, science, and the preservation of our planet become the thrive to start this project.
Ik Muluk started in late 2022 with a handful of artists camping and laying foundations in the jungle. Self-funded and still under construction, we've organised the first international artist exchange between Mexico and Ireland since 2023, art exhibitions and workshops. We're dedicated to enriching experiences for creatives and artists. Explore our past projects and get involved—we'd love to hear from you!
Project type: Artwork
Research+ Implementation+ Exhibition
Place: Mexican Embassy Ireland
Anitya
- Sanskrit for "Impermanence":
"Everything changes, and nothing lasts forever".
I created this piece with a conscious reflection on my carbon footprint. I thoughtfully examined and questioned the use of everyday items like coffee waste, paper cups, paper bags, and wood ash—materials that often end up in landfills.
The deeper I delved, the more opportunities I uncovered to repurpose these valuable materials, giving them new life and purpose.
By blending, freezing, and boiling these elements, I transformed them into this living artwork as part of the art exhibition at the Mexican embassy in Ireland "Sangre Mextiza"
-Kathrina Rupit
"Streets of Dublin Exhibition"
Phase Space Art Center, Dublin
As part of our international exchange between Ik-Muluk (MEX) and Phase Space Art Center (IRE) The event showcased the work of over 25 local and international street artists including Spaik, Cix.DMT from Mexico. The opening night, featuring drinks sponsored by Grace O'Malley Whiskey, included live music, live painting, and a weekend local Creatives Market showcasing illustrations, jewelry, clothing, knitting, and self-publications by local writers.
"Emerald Heart"
Many Nations , One Heart
Collaboration between Mexican & Indian embassies.
360` Online tour: https://matterport.com/discover/space/1pJFYkmMmk4
A group exhibition that celebrates the profound cultural contributions of the Mexican, Indian, and Irish diasporas. This exhibition underscores their significant impact on global cultural exchange and interconnectedness. "Emerald Heart" presents a dynamic collection of traditional and contemporary artworks, crafted with innovative materials that reflect a modern era influenced by technology and environmental stewardship. The exhibition spans visual arts, literature, technology, and science, showcasing the most influential elements of these rich cultural heritages. It features works by distinguished artists such as Kathrina Rupit from Mexico, Irish descendants Joseph Baker, Irish national Conan Wynne, Indian painter Vidya Vivek, photographer Smita Debnath, and cartoonist Aman Dixit. We are honored to host a panel discussion led by Laura Aide De la Fuente, featuring esteemed experts Martin Russell and Kinsley Aikins. This discussion will delve into the role of diasporas in shaping global perspectives within a cultural and sustainable context. To close this dynamic event, a spoken word performance will be held at the Indian embassy, featuring contemporary literature by a diverse mix of authors from various genres. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=540172281863715
Mycelium Grow Kit Sculptures, A collaboration between Joey Baker Art & Kinmx showcasing prototypes for Mycelium Harvesting Art. The pieces, comprised of 3D printed material using PHA (Polyhydroxyalkoanote) a 100% compostable polymer made from a bacteria that convers Methane into a Rigid Body Bioplastic. Which in turn would decompose without microplastic contamination.
Be part of the story
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Chip in:
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact. Your donation will directly support the construction and development of Ik Muluk.
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Spread the Word:
Share our history with your friends, family, and social media networks.
Help us raise awareness about Ik Muluk and the importance of sustainable art spaces. Together, we can reach a wider audience and gather the support needed to bring this visionary project to life.
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Volunteer:
If you're passionate about sustainable practices, art, or community development, consider volunteering your time and skills to support Ik Muluk.
From assisting at site on all type of building and permaculture to providing administrative help, your contribution will be invaluable.
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Partner with Us:
Are you a business or organization interested in collaborating with Ik Muluk?
We welcome partnerships and sponsorships that align with our values and vision.
Contact us to explore opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.
Get in Touch!
And be part of Ik-Muluk
We’d love to hear from you.
For information about upcoming workshops, events, creative collaborations, or ways to support the project, feel free to reach out
+353 892292908
The Lime Cycle
Also known as the calcium cycle
Do you know
Lime is central to our practice, used in both construction and large-scale mural production. Through lime-based materials such as Graphenstone, our murals absorb CO₂ as they cure, aligning artistic practice with low-impact, carbon-responsive methods.
As lime cures, it undergoes carbonation, a chemical process in which slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂) reacts with carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere:
Ca(OH)₂ + CO₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O
Through this reaction, lime gradually transforms back into calcium carbonate (limestone), reabsorbing CO₂ in the process and contributing to carbon capture over the lifespan of the material.
In construction, lime is used in plasters and composite mixes with bio-materials such as sugarcane bagasse and bamboo. Its breathable and moisture-regulating properties make it particularly suited to tropical environments, supporting durability while reducing reliance on high-carbon cement-based systems.
Feeling Inspired?
If you'd like to support this research or connect for a collaboration, your energy — and your generosity — are always welcome.
Bio-Construction
Stephen Clark
Cofounder and Director at Heavengrown
Artists &
Co-Founders of
Ik-Muluk
Kathrina Rupit
Aka KinMx
Joey Baker
Multidiciplinary Artist
Collaborators
Conan Wynne
Multidiciplinary Artist
Co-Founder Phase Space
Video
& Photo
Pedro Giaquinto
Gia Home Made Productions