Mexican studio Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos has completed a beach home on the island of Cozumel that brings vegetation indoors through openings in the ground floor.

Casa Cozumel takes its name from its location, which is known for its beaches and is a popular stop for cruise ships. The property encompasses 1,325 square metres, and boasts 38 metres of beach frontage on the Caribbean.

The home sits on an expansive property that is densely packed with vegetation, providing the residents total privacy.
"The project is based on the guiding concept of fully respecting the site and its existing vegetation," said Mexico City-based Sordo Madaleno in a project description. "[The] design reflects a clear unity between the contemporary language and natural surroundings."
To avoid disturbing the site, the architects located the home above a natural depression in the landscape. This allows existing plants to grow underneath the structure and integrate with some of the living spaces.

Visitors enter the L-shaped building from the north, through a set of textured wooden doors and into a lobby that acts as a focal point for circulation. From here, a bridge crosses over an area that is open to the ground below and filled with lush plants.

This walkway leads to the dining room, which features a lounge area and opens on two sides. The front side of this room faces an exterior terrace with the ocean beyond, while the back offers views of the forest.

This level also featu...