Villa Amaite by Ignacio Cabrera
Located in Tulum, Mexico, Villa Amaite is a house designed by Ignacio Cabrera that emphasises a nature-immersed design. Designed in 2023, the layout showcases a main structure that accommodates up to 12 guests while a smaller secondary home incorporates the same design language. The project utilises chukum on the exterior walls and features open-plan living areas that maximise both space and ocean views, all within tropical surroundings.
Tropical Sanctuary Surrounded by Riviera Maya Beauty
Located in one of the most spectacular areas of the Riviera Maya, within Soliman Bay (just 20 kilometers north of Tulum), Villa Amaite emerges as a refuge immersed in nature, restoring an existing structure while reinterpreting the richness of the region’s architecture, combined with contemporary design elements.
Minimal Impact Through Nature-Compatible Design
From the initial site visits, design conditions were identified due to the low-density surroundings and proximity to natural areas. Access is from the rear of the property, with the project extending towards the beachfront to preserve the nearby mangroves. The project was approached with the sustainable premise of respecting the original house found on-site, minimizing the environmental and economic impact of the construction.
Two Independent Volumes for Modular Use
As such, the proposal is divided into two independent volumes: the main house, which accommodates up to 12 guests, and the small house that serves as an additional space for visitors or guests. A wooden structure ramp was built from the entrance, giving the circulations an ephemeral and native character; this invites users to contemplate the local vegetation in a zigzag path before revealing the project’s signature palapa.
Simplicity and Indoor-Outdoor Connections
Entry to the main house is on the first floor, which houses the social area in an open-plan format to maximize space usage. The layout is simple, with the living room, dining area, kitchen, and bar connected, along with an additional room. On the third floor, the rooftop and viewing deck are subtly presented as spaces for reflection and contemplation.
Openings Frame Ocean Views
On the ground floor, the sleeping areas consist of four bedrooms that connect to the outside but are protected by terraces and vegetation features like planters and green walls, providing privacy. The main material used in the project is chukum—a natural finish characteristic of the Mayan region—applied to the walls. The material palette is complemented by the use of wood for the floors, windows, and walkways, wrapping the user in a warm, tropical atmosphere.
Material Integration and View Preservation
One of the design strategies involved demolishing existing elements such as walls on the rear facade and concrete stairs connecting both levels. This intervention allowed for the creation of openings that frame ocean views from the interior, while integrating materials that respond to the immediate context.
Social Areas Bordered by Vegetation Features
Outside, this approach continued with the removal of more invasive existing elements through landscape design, creating different social spaces formed by the pool, terrace, dining area, and lounge zones. To one side, the small house serves as a complementary space but maintains the same design language as the project, incorporating a green hue on its walls to balance the architecture with the surroundings.
Photography by Maya Luxe
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