Waterfront Townhouse. Cancun, Mexico.
This 3 level Townhouse was first 2 condos, a ground floor and two level PH. We practically redid 80% of the interior layout. The M. Suite has a vanishing edge spa. The entrance Foyer is two levels tall and has 20' Limestone columns.
TOWNHOUSE. Units One and Two.
A couple from Miami asked me to do a 3200 sq. feet two level condominium unit. Later they decided to buy the ground level unit and merge the two for a total of 6000 sq. feet. Although the upper unit had already been designed and most of the furniture had been ordered, we were happy to oblige.
Working in Cancun as well as in the Islands of the Caribbean is challenging. There are no sources for FF&E. Most everything comes by boat from Miami. Additional time has to be allowed for customs and procedures. Clients expect to have their vacation homes ready for the winter season and holidays.
The building with load bearing walls and concrete slabs would now need to have some structural changes. We eliminated two outdoor stairways, originally providing access to the upper unit. One was converted into the entrance foyer, the other made the dining room more ample, and we extended the interior stairway of the upper unit to the ground one, practically changing the entire layout of the lower unit. This allowed us to convert the bedrooms of the lower unit into a garage, and enlarge the living, dining and kitchen areas.
We regularly do vacation homes as a turn-key operation. This has the advantage and disadvantage of not having the client on the site most of the time. One of the advantages is that the client does not panic when the demolition takes place. The disadvantage is they might be negatively surprised when they see the bill. At any event they were happy and satisfied when they saw the completed project and are now enjoying it.
The entrance foyer is double height with full height limestone columns capped with double cross vaults and a Hemisphere pendant light and a split level balcony. There are vaulted ceilings through the stairway, hallway, family room and terraces, and all openings were arched, creating the feeling of the Yucatan Haciendas. The main wall of the living-dining area is mirrored to reflect the east bay water view. The same effect is repeated in the master bedroom. The kitchen has Rojo Alicante marble counter tops and splashes. The same marble is used in all bath and cabinet counter tops. The floors are local limestone. The stairway landings are tempered laminated clear glass allowing sunlight from the upper windows.
The three level townhouse ended having five bedrooms, each with a bath and terrace. It can conveniently accommodate ten to twelve guests for the holidays.
The master bedroom runs the width of the building and has a full terrace featuring a vanishing edge spa. The terrace was structurally reinforced to sustain the weight of the spa. The master bath has sculptured basins and ‘his and hers’ mirrors reflecting into infinity.
The theme colors for the bedrooms are pink, aqua and blue. The blue bedroom has a mirror that reflects the vaulted ceiling.
THE SIBLING APPARTMENT
We were approached, by the owner of an adjacent condo while we were working on the Townhouse. He asked us to design a single level 3000 sq. feet three bedroom unit, with water views throughout. This unit faces the south bay.
We used the same main wall treatment: mirrors reflecting the view. The mirror follows the contour of the arches and covers the flush kitchen door. The dining room has a hand painted mural depicting an arched terrace extension facing the Caribbean. We used the same local limestone for the floors; however, a Venetian Yellow Marble was selected for the counter tops and accents.
The master bedroom is treated in neutral colors. The second bedroom has a purple wall and fabrics. The third one is light blue.
Other particular treatments and finishes were used in both houses. Most windows have motorized double roman shades, shear and blackout. Plantation shutters were used between the living rooms and the alcoves, which also serve as breakfast/bar rooms. In the bedrooms facing the courtyard the shutters close from the body down allowing light and view from above.
Rattan and wicker furniture with upholstery in bright Caribbean colors and stripe fabrics were used. Dark wood finishes were selected for the three floor unit and lighter ones for small unit.
Both projects were completed in around seven months. They are located in Isla Dorada, a secluded residential area in Cancun’s Hotel zone.
TOWNHOUSE. Units One and Two.
A couple from Miami asked me to do a 3200 sq. feet two level condominium unit. Later they decided to buy the ground level unit and merge the two for a total of 6000 sq. feet. Although the upper unit had already been designed and most of the furniture had been ordered, we were happy to oblige.
Working in Cancun as well as in the Islands of the Caribbean is challenging. There are no sources for FF&E. Most everything comes by boat from Miami. Additional time has to be allowed for customs and procedures. Clients expect to have their vacation homes ready for the winter season and holidays.
The building with load bearing walls and concrete slabs would now need to have some structural changes. We eliminated two outdoor stairways, originally providing access to the upper unit. One was converted into the entrance foyer, the other made the dining room more ample, and we extended the interior stairway of the upper unit to the ground one, practically changing the entire layout of the lower unit. This allowed us to convert the bedrooms of the lower unit into a garage, and enlarge the living, dining and kitchen areas.
We regularly do vacation homes as a turn-key operation. This has the advantage and disadvantage of not having the client on the site most of the time. One of the advantages is that the client does not panic when the demolition takes place. The disadvantage is they might be negatively surprised when they see the bill. At any event they were happy and satisfied when they saw the completed project and are now enjoying it.
The entrance foyer is double height with full height limestone columns capped with double cross vaults and a Hemisphere pendant light and a split level balcony. There are vaulted ceilings through the stairway, hallway, family room and terraces, and all openings were arched, creating the feeling of the Yucatan Haciendas. The main wall of the living-dining area is mirrored to reflect the east bay water view. The same effect is repeated in the master bedroom. The kitchen has Rojo Alicante marble counter tops and splashes. The same marble is used in all bath and cabinet counter tops. The floors are local limestone. The stairway landings are tempered laminated clear glass allowing sunlight from the upper windows.
The three level townhouse ended having five bedrooms, each with a bath and terrace. It can conveniently accommodate ten to twelve guests for the holidays.
The master bedroom runs the width of the building and has a full terrace featuring a vanishing edge spa. The terrace was structurally reinforced to sustain the weight of the spa. The master bath has sculptured basins and ‘his and hers’ mirrors reflecting into infinity.
The theme colors for the bedrooms are pink, aqua and blue. The blue bedroom has a mirror that reflects the vaulted ceiling.
THE SIBLING APPARTMENT
We were approached, by the owner of an adjacent condo while we were working on the Townhouse. He asked us to design a single level 3000 sq. feet three bedroom unit, with water views throughout. This unit faces the south bay.
We used the same main wall treatment: mirrors reflecting the view. The mirror follows the contour of the arches and covers the flush kitchen door. The dining room has a hand painted mural depicting an arched terrace extension facing the Caribbean. We used the same local limestone for the floors; however, a Venetian Yellow Marble was selected for the counter tops and accents.
The master bedroom is treated in neutral colors. The second bedroom has a purple wall and fabrics. The third one is light blue.
Other particular treatments and finishes were used in both houses. Most windows have motorized double roman shades, shear and blackout. Plantation shutters were used between the living rooms and the alcoves, which also serve as breakfast/bar rooms. In the bedrooms facing the courtyard the shutters close from the body down allowing light and view from above.
Rattan and wicker furniture with upholstery in bright Caribbean colors and stripe fabrics were used. Dark wood finishes were selected for the three floor unit and lighter ones for small unit.
Both projects were completed in around seven months. They are located in Isla Dorada, a secluded residential area in Cancun’s Hotel zone.
Project Year: 2006
Project Cost: $750,001 - $1,000,000
Country: Mexico
Zip Code: Cancun
