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In Mexico’s Valle de Bravo, a lookout point offering 360° views
Nestled among hills, mountains, and a lake on the edge of Valle de Bravo in the State of Mexico, Clubhouse Valle San Nicolás is part of an idyllic new residential development of over 914 acres (370 h). The work of Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos, every aspect of this circular structure has been designed and built to fully integrate with its setting. The architect himself talks about a design of architectural elements and layout that harmonizes with nature. Underscoring the entire project, which was completed in 2021 and opened in the same year, was a need to make the least possible impact on the site and, at the same time, create a place that enhances visitors’ wellbeing through a close connection with nature. The project began with an investigation of the site to create architecture that establishes dialogue and relationship between the two most prominent features of the location, namely, the mountains and the lake.
The lake offers waterskiing and is located at the lowest point of the site, taking advantage of rainwater runoff. Surrounded by water, the circular clubhouse is like a boat floating in the lake, surrounded by a mountain backdrop.
The layout is broken up into different sections according to function, with each tailored to meet its specific needs. This produces a series of alternating solids and voids, with the sections interconnected by a network of walkways and platforms. A double-sized outer semicircular ring and an inner ring delineate the shape of the clubhouse itself, while making it possible to move right around the structure while taking in 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape and the changing sky. A central walkway, which is lower than the surface of the water and cuts across the diameter of the circle, directly connects the two opposite halves. On one side, it leads to a kitchen, a barbeque area, a dining area, and associated services, while, on the other, are a gym, a spa with outdoor jacuzzi, cabins, and a sauna. The central walkway doesn’t end there, however, continuing on outside past the bar and TV room to the floating platform and central swimming pool.
The clubhouse was constructed using cross-laminated timber, with exposed beams and columns designed in short spans, with a radial distribution that reflects the circular volume. The walls, on the other hand, are made of stone in timber framework, and anchor the structure in the lake. The same timber used for the structural elements is also found inside the building, this creating a harmony with the setting and its natural materials. The finishes also reflect this philosophy. Outside, the bridge is Kebony, while the roof uses American red oak and volcanic stone.
Location: Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico
Architects: Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos
Completion: 2021
Construction Area: 1.800 m2
Consultants
Structural Engineering: Metal y Madera, Alba Estructural
Electric Engineering, Systems & Special Engineering, Hydrosanitary Engineering: Imati
Lighting Design: Artec3
Audio & Video: Solutions Audio&Video
Landscape Design: Jerónimo Gabayet, Concepto Q, Entorno Taller de Paisaje
Construction: TUCA, Metal y Madera
Construction Coordination: Terraforma, GJA
Photograhy by Rafael Gamo courtesy of Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos
