7.6.10

VILLA-ANA


By Alfonso Corona

A terrific structure in a place called Ixtapa, Mexico, where architect Muller has evolved creating amazing shapes and functionality in this mega beach-house.

This edifice has many characteristics that make it unique unlike so many places built in beaches. The main ‘palapa’ structure has been accommodated to fit an amazing construction below. Villa Ana features from A/C controlled rooms with mega TV’s, to delicate open-air spaces that allow you to touch nature from great heights.


Through the interior patio that takes you to the rooms, you’ll find a door that leads you inside a cave which has, on one side the rock mountain, and on the other a man made bar. This interesting tunnel has been converted into a wine cellar; the architect has taken advantage of the mountain’s all year round natural temperature!



When you walk towards some of the rooms, right outside the wine cellar, you’ll discover a blue light is reflecting over you. It’s not a special effect; it’s lighting that comes from a glass window, which is located in the bot- tom of the pool that happens to be in the floor above you. Needless to say, you get a marvelous feeling like that of being inside Captain Nemo’s beach house, without the Gothic stuff.


The quarters make the whole experience perfect. White cotton with colorful hand- embroider quilts; made by local artisans, enhance the atmosphere of every room, matching the stunning environment.



Now that we’re talking about artisans, or handcrafters, let me talk to you about the most impressive job of this kind that I’ve witnessed; I’m Mexican so I’ve seen some of the most unreal work out there.


The flooring all around the house illustrates some particular designs, which are incrusted in the concrete; they are hand- picked and carefully placed ‘river stones’. Can you imagine the time and patience necessary to get that many -almost identical in color, size and shape- stones? After they are gath- ered and chosen, the pebbles have to be placed on Rock Mountains.
Well, this is the astonishing job of eight hard-working women who, during ten hours per day, make a 3-linear ft advance while eight other women are in charge of the selection of the stones. Then, they start building these borders around this huge construction, in every single space of the house. Not even the architect knows how long these borderlines are but, in a house like this, we’re sure it’s a couple of miles long.
Fresh, contemporary, functional and with great finishes, Villa Ana is an idyllic place to be in.