The project developed by CAAM + Arquitectos is arranged around a central axis marked by a pergola, which acts as a guiding thread and distributes the spaces in a light and natural way. Marked by the backdrop of the coastal environment, the route through the interior of the house takes users through different gardens, squares, sculptures and spaces in a delicate play of volumes.
As a reflection of the symbiosis between natural environment and architecture that the project represents, the characteristic warm colours that show the sunsets of the place, blend harmoniously with the reddish tones typical of the regional tradition and the solid concrete walls that shape the project.
Lyons Complex by CAAM + Arquitectos. Photograph by Claudio Napolitano.
Project description by CAAM + Arquitectos
In Playa Blanca, Zihuatanejo, the Lyons Complex rises by the sea, conceived as a serene vacation retreat in an exceptional location in Mexico and the world.
The clients sought a space for meditation, which led to a distinctive design that integrates comfort and well-being in harmony with its natural surroundings. This project is presented as a family retreat where architecture blends seamlessly with nature. The quote by Luis Barragán, “The house is the garden and the garden is the house,” encapsulates the essence of this design. The house is organized around a central pergola axis that acts as a guiding thread, distributing spaces in a light and natural manner. This path, framed by exceptional sea views, unfolds through gardens, plazas, sculptures, and bedrooms, creating a delicate interplay between the appearance and disappearance of the elements.
The concrete walls, combined with red tepetate stone, evoke the typical tones of the region, merging with the glorious sunsets. Thus, the interior and exterior spaces integrate organically, establishing a subtle harmony. The house features four bedrooms: three of which are sleeping quarters, including a master suite, and one is a study. Additionally, a lookout offers new perspectives, while a pool provides privileged views of the ocean.
The bathrooms, designed with interior gardens, add freshness and a natural touch, reinforcing the connection between inside and outside. Every corner is carefully crafted to maximize the sensory experience of the visitors, creating an environment that invites calm and reflection.
The second phase of the project includes a meditation garden, which becomes a special space. This area includes two guest bedrooms and a multifunctional lounge, as well as an impressive meditation pavilion. With its circular opening in the roof, this pavilion allows rain, wind, and light to naturally flow into the space. Additionally, the swim lane that connects to the pool dissolves the boundaries between interior and exterior, offering a unique immersive experience in nature.
The Lyons Complex is not just a physical retreat but a true space for emotional and spiritual transformation. By blending architecture with nature, visitors find themselves enveloped in an environment that fosters rest, meditation, and selfdiscovery. Every corner of the place invites introspection, and the activities offered—from meditation practices to contemplative moments—contribute to the overall well-being of the individual.
In this timeless oasis, the boundaries between human and nature fade, creating a space that is both a refuge and a place for meaningful experiences. It not only meets the needs of its visitors but also provides tools for reconnecting with their essence and the world around them. Thus, this sanctuary becomes an essential destination for those seeking an emotional escape and a continuous discovery between nature, humanity, and architecture.
