Top Architecture Trends in Riviera Maya This Year
There is some stunning world-class architecture and interior design along Riviera Maya. If you’re into the funky design for tropical living, you’ll love it. Harmony with nature is the unifying theme of these great homes, and it literally involves thinking outside the box. Here’s the box. There’s nature. Let’s see how they get linked up.
The box
Let’s start with the box. First, this is a self-contained, air-conditioned space that has no relationship to its climate or its physical surroundings. Secondly, it could be anywhere. Also, it’s expensive to build, costly to run, and finally somehow it turns its concrete back on everything that is enjoyable about the Riviera Maya: the sea breeze, the comfortable warmth, the rhythms, the shade. So, what are Mexico’s great architects doing about it?
Local materials
Stone. The Yucatan Peninsula is one great solid chunk of limestone. It’s local, and it’s beautiful. Why use cement when you have a local alternative on your doorstep that’s carbon-neutral?
Wood. The Riviera Maya is home to some of the most beautiful decorative timber in the world: zapote, ziricote, parota, tzalam. You may not recognize the names, but they tell you two things. First: they are from here. That means they are uniquely resistant to the deprivations of the tropics: corrosive salt air and nibbling insects. Second: they are gorgeous.
Color. Oh wow! Is there any other country in the world that says to you: no color is too outrageous, no fabric is too vibrant, any creature (snake, iguana, whatever) can be transmuted into a work of art? Put any of that against your cool limestone and timber, and zing, zing, zing! It’s guaranteed.
Ventilation
The ‘box’ has no ventilation. Press a switch and turn on the aircon — what a shame, and what an expense. The alternative is obvious: A design that makes use of the shade and cooling wind of outside spaces. A design that allows the sea breeze to flow through the house, not only keeping it naturally comfortable but linking it to the world out there. A design that makes no distinction between inside and outside. Spaces that connect you to the universe.
Meditation
Room to think, to relax, and commune. Construct a space in the tropics that gets you listening to the sea, watching the stars, observing the magic of a palm frond growing. Think Robinson Crusoe and work upwards. Start with a hammock slung between two palm trees and then imagine how you can hold onto that while you build your comforts around it, but don’t let go of the dream.
Templia Tulum
Here’s just one example of how Mexican architects have made this work: Templia Tulum – Contemporary Condos In Lúum Zama in the eco-friendly town of Tulum. It may not be your own answer, but it’s awe-inspiring and thought-provoking. The gated community has a Maya temazcal, a spiritual sauna. It also has an airy space for yoga under a thatched palapa. It has a meditation area. Finally, it has harmony with its surroundings. Architecture to live life to the full!
Remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate … we make it happen!
