Location: Tulum, Mexico
Completed: 2020
Area: 330 m2

Architecture + Construction + Interiors + Landscaping: CO-LAB Design Office
Photography: Cesar Bejar

Located a short distance from Tulum beach and the crystalline cenotes, Casa Aviv sits discretely in the jungle, merging indoor and outdoor into one generous, peaceful space. Composed of two parallel volumes that were shifted from each other to better protect several existing trees on site, the house accommodates 4 en-suite bedrooms, high ceilings, open kitchen dining and living areas, a private pool, and a 360º roof terrace. The house is oriented east-west, taking advantage of the prevailing winds and cross ventilation. North-oriented skylights fill the different spaces with indirect natural light, creating soft contrasts of light and shadow reflected through the house. On the ground floor, the living-dining room, kitchen, and two of the bedrooms open to the garden. The master bedroom features a private patio with direct access to the pool. The double-height living space extends out into the pool and garden through floor to ceiling pivoting glass doors, blending interior and exterior in one integrated space filled with natural light and garden views. On the first floor, two bedrooms frame the lush jungle, connected by a bridge under a skylight. Designed and built by CO-LAB, the house is surfaced with handmade finishes. The warm grey polished cement walls contrast with black terrazzo floors. Charred cedar wood carpentry complements the neutral palette. The furnishings and light features were custom designed to fit the house and were fabricated by local artisans and in CO-LAB’s workshop.
CO-LAB Design Office



























CO-LAB Design Office

Founded by Joana Gomes and Joshua Beck in 2010, CO-LAB is a full service architecture studio located in Tulum, Mexico. Joana Gomes, (Masters Oporto FAUP), has over 14 years of experience in the fields of architecture and urbanism, including 4 years with Winy Maas at MVRDV in Rotterdam, as well as 4 years as Design Director for FR-EE Fernando Romero. Joshua Beck, (Masters Architecture UC Berkeley, Bachelors Environmental Design., CU Boulder), has over 22 years of international experience in the combined fields of architecture, construction and wooden boat building; including 5 years of collaboration with Rem Koolhaas at OMA in Rotterdam and with Michael Kovac in Los Angeles.
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