Carefully designed to respond to the unique characteristics of Playa del Carmen, on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, The Village is a residential complex designed by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos that attempts to recognize the cultural importance of the area and delves into the wild beauty of the environment. embodying a dialogue between architecture and nature.

The objective of the project is to achieve, through a meticulously planned master plan, a project adapted and integrated to its environment, taking as reference the stepped pyramids that at other times were built in the region with a view to future development, introducing an idea of ​​timelessness in the architecture of the project.
The vision that the Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos studio has for The Village is materialized through buildings with a modular image that allows different configurations and seeks to maintain a balance between a private scale and the complexity of a dense volume, generating transition spaces that facilitate relaxation, rest and sports.

The spatial grid that makes up the general volume of the building facilitates the creation of terraces at irregular intervals on different levels and improves the permeability of the essentially rectilinear structure, including planters and intermediate green spaces in its structure that allow a greater approach to nature, generating a more open relationship between residents and the environment.


The Village by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos. Photograph by Óscar Caballero.
 

Project description by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos

The Village is an integral part of a residential masterplan envisioned by Sordo Madaleno for a site of exceptional natural beauty on the north-eastern Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. This masterplan is carefully designed to respond to the unique characteristics of the region, including its rich vegetation, diverse wildlife, and distinctive climate. Moreover, it acknowledges the area's cultural significance as the home of Mayan monuments.

"The Village delves into themes that have been integral to our body of work over many years. For instance, the distinctive nature of site-specific data in each project serves as a continuous wellspring of inspiration, guiding and shaping our design process. The ultimate goal is to achieve a singular, fully adapted project harmoniously integrated into its unique surroundings."

Fernando Sordo Madaleno de Haro.

The Village embodies a dialogue between rigorous design principles and flexible adaptability. The interplay of these elements is evident in the composition of the initial 14,885 sqm apartment block, where a staggered form subtly alludes to the stepped pyramids of the region's ancient history. Inspired by low-rise structures, our design ensures uninterrupted views across the landscape, extending towards the Caribbean Sea.


The Village by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos. Photograph by Óscar Caballero.

The architectural vision of The Village is realized through buildings with a maximum height of 12 meters, spanning up to 5 floors. This deliberate choice maintains a human scale, allowing residents on the upper floors to experience proximity to the surrounding treetops.

Apartments within The Village are meticulously planned on a 4mx4m grid, offering floor areas ranging from 80 to 160 sqm. The modular design allows for various configurations, both in terms of apartment type and size, as well as the external arrangement of terraces. This intentional tension between rigor and flexibility is a defining feature of the architecture.

"We are continually fascinated by the interconnection of systems and adaptability. A basic module, such as a 4x4 cube, has the potential to generate quality spaces. The overall design engages in a balance between an intimate scale, akin to a small village, and the complexities of a dense project."

Fernando Sordo Madaleno de Haro.


The Village by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos. Photograph by Óscar Caballero.

Our approach to breaking down the overall volume of the building involves setting back terraces at irregular intervals and across different levels. This deliberate design choice enhances the permeability of the essentially rectilinear structure, allowing it to be seamlessly integrated into the surrounding nature. The studied informality of this approach invokes the concept of an overgrown ruin, further emphasized by the thoughtful planting of terraces, introducing a timeless quality to the architecture.

The terraces are not only designed for aesthetic appeal but also serve a practical purpose. Equipped with planters, they enable self-sustainable cultivation of vegetable gardens, with 80% of the plantings consisting of native species. These green spaces bring the building to life, fostering a sense of community. Shared public spaces, comprising nearly half of the site, are dedicated to promoting wellness, recreation, and sports—an integral aspect of The Village's design.

More information

Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos is an interdisciplinary architecture, urban planning and interior design firm based in Mexico City, founded in 1937 and led by three generations of architects.

Juan Sordo Madaleno (Mexico City, October 28, 1916 - March 13, 1985) was a Mexican architect. He completed his higher studies at the National School of Architecture of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), founding his practice in 1937, collaborating since then with other firms of renowned architects such as Luis Barragán, José Villagrán García, Augusto H. Álvarez, Ricardo Legorreta, Francisco Serrano and José A. Wiechers. His works were focused mainly on hotels, housing, office buildings and shopping centres.

Javier Sordo Madaleno Bringas (*1956) created the firm Sordo Madaleno y Asociados in 1982, the second phase of his father's office.

The studio is dedicated to excellence in architectural design with a sustainable approach to social development. Leadership flows through three generations of professionals who have developed and calibrated the vision of an evolving urban laboratory to create new experiences locally, regionally and globally.
Published on: June 28, 2024
Cite: "Sustainable recreational beauty. The Village by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos" METALOCUS. Accessed January 23, 2025
<http://www.metalocus.es/en/news/sustainable-recreational-beauty-village-sordo-madaleno-arquitectos> ISSN 1139-6415
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