Casa Tres Árboles in Valle de Bravo features tranquil interior by Direccion

Direccion brings sense of tranquility to Casa Tres Árboles in Valle de Bravo

The designers at Mexican studio Direccion had "monastic sanctuary" in mind when revamping this weekend retreat in Valle de Bravo.

The two-storey Casa Tres Árboles is designed to celebrate light and shadow contrasts, natural materials and calming colour tones.

Entrance lobby, Casa Tres Árboles in Valle de Bravo by Direccion — The double-height entrance hall features a floor of wood and black microcement

"The goal of this project was to create a space in natural and warm tones, to convey a sense of refuge and retreat, of monastic sanctuary," said designer Mariana Morales, founder of Direccion.

Casa Tres Árboles was first built 25 years ago in the popular lakeside location, which is located two hours drive west of Mexico City, but the original design had become outdated.

Lounge with red sofa, Casa Tres Árboles in Valle de Bravo by Direccion — Pre-existing walls were removed to create a more open-plan living space

"The client's directive was to give the house a refreshed style, with updated finishes to accommodate more frequent visits, while maintaining the weekend getaway feel of the place," said Morales.

The renovation centred around opening up the interior, creating a more natural flow of light and movement through the different living spaces.

Glazed entrance, Casa Tres Árboles in Valle de Bravo by Direccion — Located below street level, the house's entrance is a pivoting door

This was achieved by not only removing walls, but also by adjusting the split-level floor so that the social spaces feel more connected.

Key to the design was the entrance sequence. From the street, a staircase descends, leading around a tree and into a small sunken courtyard.

Arched doorway beside a table covered with vases — A new wall screens the staircase, with an arched doorway leading through to a bedroom

Direccion's design enhances the sense of drama to this arrival. A former bathroom was removed to make space for a planter filled with leafy shrubs and ferns.

From here, a pivoting door leads through to a double-height entrance hall topped by a glass dome and features a high-contrast floor-combing wood and black microcement.

The space is framed by a new wall that hides away the previously open stairwell. An arched doorway leads through to a bedroom, while an aged wooden table presents a display of sculptural vases.

"This decidedly sculptured hall is the prime space to pause and become surrounded by the material serenity of the house," said Morales.

Dining table, Casa Tres Árboles in Valle de Bravo by Direccion — A wooden seating bench runs alongside a 10-person dining table

The kitchen, dining room and lounge space are all located beyond the hall, one step down, and now connect with a sundeck thanks to sliding glass doors.

This open-plan layout was made possible by the addition of two structural columns, which take the place of load-bearing walls that previously divided the space.

Bedroom, Casa Tres Árboles in Valle de Bravo by Direccion — Dark walls help to create atmosphere in the bedrooms

Casa Tres Árboles contains three en-suite bedrooms on the upper level, along with a small snug.

Both these rooms and those on the ground floor are painted in dark shades that offer a natural counterpoint to the warm tones of the exposed wooden ceiling beams.

A soft-red sofa located in the main living space is one of few splashes of colour.

Shower, Casa Tres Árboles in Valle de Bravo by Direccion — All four bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms

Artworks are dotted throughout, including a painting by Mexican artist Beatriz Zamora, while dark crockery by artisanal craft makers Colectivo 1050 is displayed openly in the kitchen.

"The colour palette integrates the flow of the elements and, with every piece and material carefully curated, creates a space for repose, meditation and balance," added Morales.