Situated in the heart of the Mayan jungle in Aldea Zamá, Tulum, Villa Cava is a grand feat of architecture and design, as it seamlessly blends luxury with nature. Building around the landscape, this stunning property is at one with its surroundings, reflecting its natural beauty and embodying the spatial quality of the region.
Designed by Espacio 18 Architectura, the brutalist-inspired building is like a fortress that you discover little by little. The concrete architecture gradually reveals itself as a carved sculpture and offers a one-of-a-kind sensory experience.
The house is constructed using raw-wood formed concrete, producing stark geometries in a neutral colour palette that effortlessly blends in with the softness of the lush greens that surround it. Every brick, fixture, window and appliance was sourced from within Mexico, giving the house a true sense of place. Totally built using sustainable materials, the villa comprises energy efficient systems to reduce impact on the environment.
Inspired by the ambiance of a cave (cenote), the project was designed with the intent of fostering a space where togetherness, relaxation, inspiration and personal growth can flourish.
A star-feature, a glass-bottom pool that bathes the hall underneath with light from above. Elsewhere, skylights flood the room with natural light, creating a warm and inviting space.
An open-plan kitchen, a study and an airy living space make up the first floor, which also lavishly includes another swim-up pool. Upstairs, private bedrooms and bathrooms reside under nine-metre-tall ceilings.
The rooftop presents breathtaking views of the jungle and can seat an ample number of guests. Below, chunky, zigzagged concrete shapes that form the staircases protrude from various angles, enhancing its striking outward appearance.
Additionally, a large square window inside acts as a living painting, showcasing the lush greenery outside.
These spaces are all aligned with light timber accents and neutrally toned furniture with smooth concrete walls and floors that echo the home’s facade.
The project is designed to provide residents with a sense of complete privacy and seclusion, with each villa presenting its own private entrance and outdoor space.
The location of the villa is perfect for those looking to be close to the beach while also benefiting from the lush embrace of the green jungle. Its jungle location also promotes the level of privacy.
Designed as a habitable sculpture, the use of concrete allows for a timeless architecture that adapts to the humid environment of Tulum, without needing maintenance.
The young couple who built it, Adrian and Andrea, envision creating a real estate fund that develops luxury villas throughout Mexico and the world, bringing together architecture, function and human-centric design for unforgettable luxury experiences.
The company that made Villa Cava possible, Espacio 18, is a firm founded in 2009 in Mexico City by Luis López-Rangel, and specialises in sustainable design, as well as interior design, urban design and landscape architecture. The firm has worked on a range of projects, from commercial to residential, and have received several awards for their stellar designs.
And. Kaan 56, 77760 Q.R., Mexico.