Location: Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Architect: Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos.

Located on the island of Cozumel in Mexico, this luxury residential project covers an area of 1,325 sqm on a 5,200 sqm site with 38 meters of beachfront. The project is designed to respect the existing vegetation and natural surroundings, resulting in a design that seamlessly integrates with the environment. The undulating topography of the terrain includes a natural depression at the center, which is used to allow vegetation to continue beneath the project and blend into the habitable spaces. The project is contained over two levels, connected by bridges and terraces to the exterior pool and beach areas. The L-shaped design of the project creates an interplay of solids and voids in its façades, providing interesting spatial relationships between inside and outside. Each room is provided with cross ventilation and natural illumination. The main access to the house is situated to the north-east, distributing the circulation of social and private areas on the ground floor. The social areas of the dining room, kitchen, and wet bar are located on the same level, facing the beach, while the first four rooms and their respective services are located in a volume perpendicular to the line of the beach, with views onto the internal garden. The first floor contains the master bedroom, two complementary bedrooms, a family room, and an outdoor lounge with a reflecting pool that enhances the views over the internal garden. The project uses the fewest possible materials, guided by their functionality and aesthetic qualities in terms of blending into their surroundings. The exterior and interior walls are made of white cement mixed with the “dirty” water produced by the bark of the chukum tree, creating a naturally waterproof finish. The external walls are clad with local limestone. Overall, this luxury residential project is designed to respect the natural surroundings and seamlessly integrate with the environment, providing a beautiful and functional living space with stunning views of the Mexican Caribbean.

Photo credit: Rafael Gamo.