Villa Kin Ich

Located in the coastal landscape of Playa del Carmen (in one of the areas with the greatest natural wealth, such as the Riviera Maya), this project arises to develop a villa of rest facing the sea; with an imposing architecture that respectfully integrates with the site.

Villa Kin Ich has its origin in the word K’inich, which means ‘the house of the Mayan sun god’, paying homage to the landscape and legacy of its community. The property is located within the community of Playacar, where after passing through the access road, we are greeted in the back by some protected Mayan ruins and a cenote -which was respected and integrated into the project- while the vegetation of the site such as the ‘Sea Grapes’, remains latent and gives the sensation of coloring the terrain like a canvas of white sand.

From the above, the design conditions were clear; With a narrow but elongated plot, the project is based on the premise of optimizing spaces and taking advantage of the majestic views of the sea, minimizing its impact footprint. Thus, the design proposal was defined by volumes that vary in their arrangement to respect the existing trees. This was achieved by generating intermediate patios that function as interior gardens, favoring the entry of natural lighting and cross ventilation.

Upon entering the villa, users are greeted by a tropical wood walkway that goes around the leafy trees to the main entrance that visually ends towards the ocean. This path continues inside, and becomes the guiding axis of the project, generating a linear circulation that surrounds guests between the white marble volumes that seem to emerge naturally from the
limestone gardens and native vegetation.

The project is developed on 3 levels, each with a different character and program but which together relate to each other. The ground floor functions as the heart of the project, housing the common and social areas, consisting of the dining room, TV room, game room, study, bar, kitchen, gym and a terrace facing the beach.

The second level includes the 7 bedrooms, where the 3 main bedrooms have direct views to the ocean, while the 4 secondary bedrooms communicate with the interior patios and gardens. Finally, on the third level, the rooftop functions as a rest area and contemplative space, drawing the gaze of users to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and the lush vegetation.

One of the particularities of the project is its construction system, defined by the use of concrete and block walls in its structure. For the finishes, materials from the region such as marble and limestone were used – the same ones that were used for the construction of the Mayan pyramids.

These elements commemorate the white tones of the Caribbean beaches, and which, together with the stone and natural wood, create comfortable atmospheres for users.

Additionally, sustainable design strategies were considered, such as the use of solar panels, an energy-efficient LED lighting system, rainwater collection and reuse, as well as a construction process with minimal earthmoving and use of local handwork.

Design: Cabrera Luque Arquitectos
Photography: Katya Ramos