Amura Villa is conceived as a contemporary seaside sanctuary that translates the softness of waves and the horizontality of the Caribbean horizon into architecture. The project seeks to dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior through deep, vegetated terraces that function as habitable “contours” wrapping the building. Each level is designed as a continuous platform of living, where light, air and vegetation are the primary materials. The enveloping white shell unifies the volume, giving the residence a sculpted, monolithic character while framing views toward the lagoon and the sea.
Located in Cancún, the villa is positioned to capture prevailing breezes and long-distance views while maintaining privacy from the surrounding urbanization. The footprint is compact, freeing up the ground level for gardens and permeable surfaces. Orientation privileges shaded facades and extended overhangs to protect glazing from direct solar gain, essential in the tropical climate. The building opens toward the lush landscape, with generous setbacks that allow existing trees to be preserved and integrated into the design. Circulation is organized along the cooler, shaded sides of the plot, connecting all levels to exterior terraces and roof garden.
The architectural language is defined by fluid horizontal slabs with rounded corners, creating a dynamic profile that evokes nautical lines. These slabs project outward to form continuous balconies, simultaneously providing shade and outdoor living space. The white external shell acts as an exoskeleton, with carved openings that reveal darker, recessed glazing and timber accents. Vertical fins and lattice elements introduce rhythm to the facade, filtering light and offering controlled transparency toward the interior. The contrast between smooth white surfaces and warm, natural materials reinforces the dialogue between minimalism and tropical comfort.
Inside, the layout privileges open-plan social areas directly connected to the terraces, allowing daily life to extend outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling sliding panels create flexible boundaries, transforming living rooms into verandas. Materials are selected for their tactile quality and durability in a marine environment: large-format stone or porcelain floors, plastered walls in soft tones, and carpentry in tropical hardwoods. The staircase becomes a central sculptural element, combining floating timber treads with slender metal balustrades and integrated lighting that emphasizes its volumetric presence. The interior palette remains neutral, designed to frame the surrounding greenery and sky as the main decorative elements.
Vegetation is a fundamental layer of the project. Planters integrated into every terrace create hanging gardens that soften the geometry and improve microclimate. The rooftop is conceived as an elevated patio with patterned flooring, perimeter planters and generous seating zones, functioning as a private belvedere over Cancún. At ground level, pathways weave through existing trees, leading residents to shaded corners and contemplative spaces. The landscape design prioritizes native and low-maintenance species, reducing irrigation needs and fostering biodiversity in the residential environment.
From the outset, environmental performance guided the design decisions. The deep overhangs, vegetated terraces and vertical fins act as passive shading devices, significantly reducing heat gain on glazed surfaces. Cross-ventilation is maximized through aligned openings on opposite facades, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling during temperate hours. The extensive use of greenery on all levels contributes to evaporative cooling and improves air quality. Durable, locally sourced materials limit maintenance and reduce the project’s embodied energy. Provision for rainwater collection and efficient irrigation supports the landscaping strategy, while the compact volume and permeable ground-level areas help manage stormwater in the coastal context.
Amura Villa is conceived as a contemporary seaside sanctuary that translates the softness of waves and the horizontality of the Caribbean horizon into architecture. The project seeks to dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior through deep, vegetated terraces that function as habitable “contours” wrapping the building. Each level is designed as a continuous platform of living, where light, air and vegetation are the primary materials. The enveloping white shell unifies the volume, giving the residence a sculpted, monolithic character while framing views toward the lagoon and the sea.
Located in Cancún, the villa is positioned to capture prevailing breezes and long-distance views while maintaining privacy from the surrounding urbanization. The footprint is compact, freeing up the ground level for gardens and permeable surfaces. Orientation privileges shaded facades and extended overhangs to protect glazing from direct solar gain, essential in the tropical climate. The building opens toward the lush landscape, with generous setbacks that allow existing trees to be preserved and integrated into the design. Circulation is organized along the cooler, shaded sides of the plot, connecting all levels to exterior terraces and roof garden.
The architectural language is defined by fluid horizontal slabs with rounded corners, creating a dynamic profile that evokes nautical lines. These slabs project outward to form continuous balconies, simultaneously providing shade and outdoor living space. The white external shell acts as an exoskeleton, with carved openings that reveal darker, recessed glazing and timber accents. Vertical fins and lattice elements introduce rhythm to the facade, filtering light and offering controlled transparency toward the interior. The contrast between smooth white surfaces and warm, natural materials reinforces the dialogue between minimalism and tropical comfort.
Inside, the layout privileges open-plan social areas directly connected to the terraces, allowing daily life to extend outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling sliding panels create flexible boundaries, transforming living rooms into verandas. Materials are selected for their tactile quality and durability in a marine environment: large-format stone or porcelain floors, plastered walls in soft tones, and carpentry in tropical hardwoods. The staircase becomes a central sculptural element, combining floating timber treads with slender metal balustrades and integrated lighting that emphasizes its volumetric presence. The interior palette remains neutral, designed to frame the surrounding greenery and sky as the main decorative elements.
Vegetation is a fundamental layer of the project. Planters integrated into every terrace create hanging gardens that soften the geometry and improve microclimate. The rooftop is conceived as an elevated patio with patterned flooring, perimeter planters and generous seating zones, functioning as a private belvedere over Cancún. At ground level, pathways weave through existing trees, leading residents to shaded corners and contemplative spaces. The landscape design prioritizes native and low-maintenance species, reducing irrigation needs and fostering biodiversity in the residential environment.
From the outset, environmental performance guided the design decisions. The deep overhangs, vegetated terraces and vertical fins act as passive shading devices, significantly reducing heat gain on glazed surfaces. Cross-ventilation is maximized through aligned openings on opposite facades, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling during temperate hours. The extensive use of greenery on all levels contributes to evaporative cooling and improves air quality. Durable, locally sourced materials limit maintenance and reduce the project’s embodied energy. Provision for rainwater collection and efficient irrigation supports the landscaping strategy, while the compact volume and permeable ground-level areas help manage stormwater in the coastal context.
Our offices are located in Barcelona, Cancún, Chicago and Santo Domingo, but thanks to technology we can do projects on all over the world.
Barcelona
Bac de Roda 136
08020, Barcelona
Spain
Madrid
Av. de Buendía 11
19005 Guadalajara (Madrid)
Spain
Chicago
373 Hazel Ave, Apt A1
60022, Glencoe, Illinois
United States