Mexican architecture studio Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos has designed a circular-shaped clubhouse nestled on the edge of a lake on the outskirts of Valle de Bravo in the State of Mexico.

The project, named Valle San Nicolás, is situated on a privileged site for the new 370-hectare residential development, where the urban layout and every architectural element are designed in harmony with nature and with the aim of protecting the existing landscape.

The pavilion-like clubhouse is made of cross-laminated timber (CLT), while its internal volumes are built from stone walls housed in wooden slender columns that serve to anchor the volume in the lake.

The program of the 1,800-square-metre building consists of a bar, cigar room, a gym, message booth, jacuzzi, sauna, steam, kitchen, restroom, firepit, a dining room and swimming pool.

"Throughout the complex, spaces of relaxation and wellbeing are offered for residents, enhancing the connection with and enjoyment of the natural surroundings," said Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos. 

"These include the Clubhouse and the 800-meter waterski lake set at the lowest point on the masterplan, taking advantage of the rainwater runoff," the studio added.

The architects explored the natural conditions of Valle San Nicolás to better understand what are the two most prominent natural elements, such as the mountain and the lake - they could converge and relate to each other through a work of architecture. 

"This point of encounter gave rise to the Clubhouse as the main place for socializing," added the studio.

"Following the guiding idea of a subtle and friendly approach between architecture and nature, the Clubhouse was conceptualized in reference to a boat anchored in the lake, as if it were floating on the water."

Due to the structure's volumetric conditions, the studio could easily arranged the program in a circular floor plan where all functions are fragmented around its radius. This allowed to distribute and modulate the different areas and amenities it contains.

Meanwhile, this programmatic strategy is made visible through the voids and solids that are created by the internal bodies of water as they merge with the lake and the walls that rise from the bottom of the lake, according to the studio.

There are two rings, one inner and one outer serve as open corridors to move around the building and enjoy near-360-degree-views of the landscape. 

While a lower central passageway also shortens journey distances, it leads directly to the main deck, with its bar and TV room, before culminating in the floating pool.

Divided by this central passageway, the east side of the Clubhouse contains the dining area, barbecue, kitchen, and related services. The west side, meanwhile, houses the gym, spa cabins with outdoor jacuzzi, as well as changing rooms with steam room and sauna.

For material choice, the studio used cross-laminated timber (CLT) in the construction, with exposed beams and columns designed in short spans with a radial distribution reflecting the circular volume. 

Main units are built from stone walls housed in wooden frames that serve to anchor the volume in the lake.

The interiors feature natural materials that complement the structural timber elements of the Clubhouse. The architects used a Kebony deck, volcanic stone, and an American red oak roof for the finishes harmoniously reflecting the surroundings.

Site plan

Floor plan

Transversal section

Long section

Roof details

Project facts

Project name: Valle San Nicolás

Architects: Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos 

Location: Valle de Bravo, Mexico.

Size: 1,800m2 

Date: 2021 

All images © Rafael Gamo

All drawings © Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos 

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