Villa Kawa by Espacio 18 Arquitectura in Tulum, Mexico

Project: Villa Kawa Architects: Espacio 18 Arquitectura Location: Tulum, Mexico Area: 4,789 sq ft Year: 2023 Photography by: César Behar

Villa Kawa by Espacio 18 Arquitectura

Situated in the jungles of Maya in Aldea Zama, Tulum, Villa Kawa harmoniously blends luxury with the noble beauty of nature. Created through collaboration between Espacio 18 Arquitectura and Adrian and Andre, a young couple from Ottawa, Canada, the villa emerged as a result of the enchantment of the Suytun cenote on the Yucatan Peninsula. This architectural masterpiece is a testament to the natural beauty of the region and spatial elegance that conveys the essence of luxury amid lush surroundings.

The architectural concept, inspired by the mystery of the cave (cenote), invites guests on a sensorial journey offering an unforgettable combination of luxury and nature. The design not only harmonizes with the landscape but also fosters a connection to the environment through smart material and design elements. As a sanctuary for personal growth, inspiration, and rest, Villa Kawa radiates unique appeal that resonates with travelers seeking an extraordinary experience.

Villa Kawa combines luxury with nature. Located at the heart of the Maya tropical forest in Aldea Zama, Tulum, the villa was created by Espacio18 Arquitectura together with Adrian and Andre, a young couple from Ottawa, Canada. The inspiration came from the magical Suytun cenote on the Yucatan Peninsula that captured their hearts. They decided to create a home reflecting the natural beauty and spatial value of the region.

Villa Kawa is a sensorial experience designed to ensure a unique and unforgettable stay for guests. The project was created with the intention of bringing people together in a space where they can rest, gain inspiration, and grow personally. The villa features an architectural concept inspired by the cave (cenote), with natural light entering through the glass bottom of the pool. Luxury is achieved through nature, ensuring a connection to the surrounding environment.

The house is carefully designed to harmonize with the existing landscape. Building rules and existing trees influenced the contours of the structure, while jungle views were considered to ensure complete privacy. The fort, inspired by brutalism, is constructed from raw wooden concrete forms that gradually reveal themselves as carved sculptures. Materials were chosen to align with the local environment, considering the humid and rainy climate as well as hurricane potential.

The interior of Villa Kawa, designed by Kyle Pongratz, is spectacular. It transforms the project into a high-level hospitality home. The house is a sculptural living object, discovered through a concrete portal around two existing mature trees leading to the main hall. This space is illuminated from above through the pool, creating a warm welcome with water and light effects on the walls.

The first floor includes an office, open chef's kitchen and spacious social area opening directly into the pool with swimming access. Spaces are designed for multi-dimensional perception, with height variations compressing users before revealing various zones. The upper floor is a private zone featuring bedrooms and a main room with 30-foot ceilings and carefully placed skylights illuminating the space naturally. A single window measuring 20 by 20 feet creates a natural 'living picture' with unlimited views of the jungle.

A second private relaxation zone is created on the roof, fully utilizing the stunning view of the front jungle reserve. Villa Kawa is a place where people from all corners of the world can gather to live and communicate or remain independent in various spaces of the project.

The house is the result of collaboration with many talented individuals, including a local firm that created the landscape design, contractors, local artisans and others who made this project possible. Every interior element, brick, window and appliance was purchased in Mexico, giving the house a true sense of place. Adrian's vision is to create a real estate fund that develops luxurious villas throughout Mexico and the world, combining architecture, functionality, and a human-centered approach to design for creating real estate with short-term luxury rental appeal for people seeking unique multidimensional experiences. Villa Kawa is just the beginning of a great dream, and it serves as inspiration for architects and designers worldwide.

-Espacio 18 Arquitectura