'the village' by sordo madaleno takes shape as a cluster of stepping modules in mexico

a village planned in response to its context

The Village is a key component of a residential masterplan envisioned by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos for a site of exceptional natural beauty on the northeastern Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. This masterplan is 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.

Fernando Sordo Madaleno De Haro writes: ‘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.’

images © Óscar Caballero for Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos

the modular design by sordo madaleno arquitectos

The architects at Sordo Madaleno plan The Village to embody a dialogue between rigorous design principles and flexible adaptability. The interplay of these elements is evident in the composition of the initial 14,885 square meter apartment block, where a staggered form subtly alludes to the stepped pyramids of the region’s ancient history. Inspired by low-rise structures, the design ensures uninterrupted views across the landscape, extending towards the Caribbean Sea. The architectural vision of The Village is realized through buildings with a maximum height of twelve meters, spanning up to five 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 planned along a 4m x 4m grid, offering floor areas ranging from 80 to 160 square meters. 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.

Fernando Sordo Madaleno De Haro continues: ‘We are continually fascinated by the interconnection of systems and adaptability. A basic module, such as a 4×4 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.’

The Village is part of a residential masterplan by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos

terraces and Integration with Nature

Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos’ approach to breaking down the overall volume of the The Village 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. These spaces are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents, encouraging interaction and a sense of community.

the architecture is designed to harmonize with the Yucatán Peninsula’s nature and cultural heritage

the staggered form of the apartment block alludes to the region’s ancient Mayan pyramids

spaces are oriented to ensure unobstructed views of the landscape and Caribbean Sea

apartments are planned on a 4×4 meter grid, a modular system allowing for various configurations

1/4

floor plan

elevation

diagram

sketch

project info:

project title: The Village

architecture: Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos | @sordo_madaleno

location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

completion: 2023

photography: © Óscar Caballero for Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos

design team: Alejandro Olivier, Javier Páez, Antonio Urrutia, Raymundo Baldovinos

structural engineering: Jean Ingenieros
MEP engineering: MC Ingenieros
lighting consultant: Ocho 45
landscape consultant: Gabayet 101 paisaje
project partners: Javier Sordo Madaleno Bringas, Javier Sordo Madaleno de Haro, Fernando Sordo Madaleno de Haro
architecture director: Luis Hernández