Vieyra Estudio has just completed a dreamy Cancun retreat, set by the oceanfront on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. With 25 years of residential and commercial experience under her belt, and multiple interior design awards lined up on her shelves, architect Lorena Vieyra, the founder of the Mexico-city-based studio, is a safe pair of hands when it comes to designing impeccable spaces - and Casa Nube is no exception.
Inside a Cancun retreat: Vieyra Estudio's Casa Nube
Designed for a nature-loving family who enjoys hosting and entertaining their friends, Casa Nube makes the most of its beachside location and Caribbean Sea views. Every room here is conceived to frame the stunning, palm-tree studded panorama, connecting to the outdoors via floor-to-ceiling windows and perfectly integrated terraces and courtyard gardens filled with plants and sculptures.
‘The ocean was an inspiration right from the start,’ explains Vieyra. ‘Designing an ocean-facing home was inspiring but also came with challenges. We had to take into account the weather and seasons, designing the indoor and outdoor spaces so they could be used throughout the year, and no space was wasted. The home also had to be very practical: it’s not just a vacation home, so this required a different perspective. We created areas that are cooler in the summer months and spaces that are protected from bad weather in the winter, so it can be enjoyed all year long.
From the main entrance featuring a water mirror pool to the terrace with an infinity pool overlooking the beach, spaces flow into each other seamlessly. ‘The entrance to Casa Nube is a real highlight,' says the architect, who also was keen to instil a sense of discovery thanks to a layout featuring a mix of open and private spaces.
She continues: 'You are greeted by the horizon and the sounds of the ocean each time you arrive and leave, which sets the mood for the home and makes for a special welcome.'
At its heart, and overhanging above one of the property’s swimming pools, is a large transverse volume which adds a distinctive architectural element to the design. It is clad in pale local stone, its intricate façade adding texture and pattern to the otherwise smooth surfaces, mostly in concrete and chukum stucco.
‘My work is inspired by Mexico and our rich culture, so I selected local materials, such as the Mayan stone we used throughout, and tropical wood which matched the ambience we wanted to create,’ says Vieyra. ‘Plus, these materials work best with the local climate, meaning they would last longer, and blend perfectly with the neutral, sandy tones we wanted to emulate. We wanted the materials to speak for themselves.’
Carefully thought-through bespoke details can be found throughout the home, and include a custom-made room divider for the dining room. ‘It doubles up as a practical piece and also a sculptural piece of art, using traditional clay in a new way that helps create a distinct zone in the space but also allows for a sense of openness,’ explains Vieyra.
Vieyra has also taken notice of the site’s eastward orientation by channelling the soft dawn light and also protecting the living areas from direct sunlight. Strategically placed shades and wooden screens add a sense of cosiness, while boosting the project’s energy efficiency.
Sustainability was a key aspect of the design, which incorporates rainwater recovery systems, treatment plants and solar panels. ‘We always design with sustainability in mind but it was even more prevalent in this project. When you are surrounded by such natural beauty, you feel a sense of responsibility as an architect to design and build as responsibly as you can.’
