Ancha House in Yucatan Is The Perfect Indoor-Outdoor Space

Contemporary homes are increasingly combining the idea of a lovely vacation and a relaxing ambiance with a functional modern home that does it all. Instead of flying several hundred miles during each holiday season or frantically trying to beat traffic and congestion, a staycation makes things a lot simpler, far more economic and also helps in bringing families together. And if you have a yard, deck and pool like the Ancha House in Yucatan, Mexico, then the holiday at home seems magical as well! Designed by Augusto Quijano Arquitectos, the refined contemporary residence was crafted for a couple whose kids no longer lived at home.

Pool area and front yard of the luxurious home in Yucatan












Since the home did not have to accommodate spaces for kids, there was a certain amount of design freedom that the architects gladly tapped into. The open and long living area is flanked by dining space and kitchen on one end and the bedroom on the other. Large glass doors and walls connect the front section of the interior with the spacious yard, wooden deck and pool. The rear is carefully hidden away and contains comfortable private spaces. A smart indoor-outdoor interplay, ample shaded space and a beautifully lit pool deck help set the backdrop for an ideal staycation!

RELATED: Dream Hangout: Contemporary Pool House in Porto Alegre Unveils Lakeside Paradise!

Lovely yard and pool connecting the different wings of the house
Large overhang protects the open living room from direct sunlight
Ingenious contemporary home is all about outdoor living at its relaxing best
Contemporary outdoor chairs and small side table for the poolside deck
Beautifully lit deck and yard with alfresco dining
Wooden partitions delineate space in style

The great hall becomes the heart of the house with a neutral color scheme using gray and white creating a polished and inviting ambiance. Art work adds pops of color to each space with widen partitions and cabinets ushering in textural contrast. Décor is kept intentionally understated with the focus firmly on the inviting yard just outside. Calming, charming and contemporary – this Mexican residence offers a great template for anyone planning to create a home that can host a lovely staycation! [Photography: Eduardo Calvo Santisbón]

RELATED: Sun, Shade and a Spectacular Courtyard: Contemporary AN House in Brazil

Gray and white interior of the Ancha House
Relaxing loungers and understated decor shape the long, spacious living
Spacious contemporary kitchen in white with a dashing breakfast bar
Polished contemporary bedroom in gray and white
Sliding glass doors connect the interior with the pool space outside
Street facade of the Ancha House in Yucatan, Mexico
Floor plan of the Ancha House in Mexico

You’re reading Ancha House in Yucatan Is The Perfect Indoor-Outdoor Space, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Similar Posts

  • Kahua Kuili Residence

    The Kahua Kuili residence is a modern interpretation of the classic Hawai’i summer camp. In keeping with the firm’s design philosophy, the warm yet spacious retreat was designed with longevity in mind. Kahua Kuili incorporates centuries-old indigenous design elements paired with contemporary attitudes to create a residence that will remain relevant for generations to come. Located within the dry portion of the Kona Coast at the base of the large cinder cone Pu’u Kuili, the property offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and Kua Bay as well as mountain views of Hualalai. Previously the site of a working ranch, the transition to residence became an opportunity to return the majority of the landscape to its natural state: a mix of lava and bunch grasses. Inspired by traditional Hawaiian architecture, the 5,590-square-foot residence is composed of multiple structures that simultaneously provide privacy through their scattered arrangement and community through the open spaces between them. The camp-like retreat’s focal point is the main hale (Hawaiian for house), which provides a central gathering place for family and friends. The main hale opens to ocean views and the central, protected courtyard, enabling activity to flow easily between indoor and outdoor space, including to the adjacent pool and tiki bar. The bar/lounge area spills over into the pool, complete with multiple lounge chairs and breathtaking ocean views. A barbecue/luau area allows for gatherings of family and friends who can picnic under the comfort and shade of a magnificent kiawe tree. Deep roof overhangs define the transition between inside and outside and offer shelter from sun and rain. Outdoor spaces link the separate structures—guest quarters, studio, wash house, garage—to one another. The use of simple, durable materials, such as board-formed concrete, western red cedar, large sliding doors, operable wood ventilation louvers, and rope lashing help reinforce the camp-like aesthetic. Western red cedar was selected for its resistance to termites and dry rot as well as for the beautiful way it patinas with age. Natural stone cowboy walls surrounding the property help create a sense of privacy from nearby houses. The interiors, by Marion Philpotts, were designed in a comfortable, contemporary aesthetic with bright colors and retro elements that tie into the modern theme of the structure. The expansive cedar-clad kitchen features a breakfast bar, dining table, and state-of-the-art appliances. Tall ceilings, large windows, and grand sliding doors that open to the courtyard contribute to the casual ease of the house. Intimate spaces, which include cozy reading nooks and relaxing sitting areas, are scattered throughout the home. Kahua Kuili is the quintessential destination for relaxation, where one can unwind comfortably and in style, all while enjoying the natural climate and landscape of Hawaii. Project team
    Architect: Walker Warner Architects
    Interior Designer: Philpotts Interiors
    Landscape: David Y. Tamura Associates
    Builder: Maryl Construction
    Photography: Matthew Millman