Valle San Nicolás

Valle De Bravo, Mexico

2021

Valle San Nicolás is a 370-hectare residential masterplan, envisioned as a place where architecture weaves intuitively into landscape. The project is located on the outskirts of Valle de Bravo, one of Mexico’s most popular weekend destinations and an area renowned for its natural beauty. The valley’s undulating terrain dips towards a central lake, Lake Avándaro—an anchor for the region’s leisure and recreation activities.

Aerial view of Valle San Nicolás clubhouse with dock across water of lake Avándaro in Valle de Bravo. Part of masterplan by Sordo Madaleno.

Formerly known as the ‘hill of steam baths’, Valle de Bravo exemplifies nature’s role as an agent of well-being. Sordo Madaleno’s masterplan takes this as its departure point, creating architecture that is in dialogue with the land; where people can live so close to nature that it becomes part of their holistic wellbeing.

Valle de Bravo is designated a Pueblo Mágico for its symbolic natural, architectural, and cultural attributes — among them the pine forests and lake that define the project site.

Volcanic rock formations above the lake basin — the geological terrain that, alongside its forests, architecture, and cultural heritage, underpins Valle de Bravo's designation as a Pueblo Mágico.

The masterplan sits adjacent to Valle de Bravo’s historic town centre and opposite the Avándaro forest range, organising its residential, recreational, and wellness spaces in dialogue with the characteristics of the landscape. It includes a design for a Clubhouse as a central amenity space and a visual landmark across the site.

Exterior view of Valle San Nicolás curved walkway across water of lake Avándaro in Valle de Bravo. Part of masterplan by Sordo Madaleno.

Appearing to float on the lake’s edge, the Clubhouse becomes a focal point for residential blocks scaling upwards along ascending hills. Its design is defined by restraint and material honesty: volcanic stone, Kebony wood, and red oak echo the earth tones of the surrounding terrain. The Clubhouse’s distinctive circular form uses a radial system of timber columns and beams to create open, airy galleries and a central courtyard that draws in light and reflections from the lake.

View outward from Valle San Nicolás building. A wooden deck extends across water of lake Avándaro with seating at center. Mountains can be seen in the distance. Part of masterplan by Sordo Madaleno.

Club de Golf Malinalco, State of Mexico, 1993. Timber beams radiating over water, a circle open to the sky — a composition whose traces regenerate at Valle San Nicolás. Courtesy of Sordo Madaleno archive.

Small retail units, a dock, beach, sports area, golf range, children’s play areas, and farm and stables make up the non-residential spaces within the masterplan. All architecture is designed to weave through the terrain, with the distribution of buildings shaped by runoff patterns, sightlines, and natural contours. Residential clusters link easily to main amenities, supporting ease of movement and in turn a seamless relationship between daily life and the surrounding environment. Trails, gardens, and equestrian routes encourage interaction with the landscape, reinforcing wellbeing and connection.

Aerial view of Valle San Nicolás clubhouse at dusk from across water of lake Avándaro in Valle de Bravo. Warm light of the building glows against the purple sky and water. Part of masterplan by Sordo Madaleno.

Valle San Nicolás sets a benchmark for responsible landscape-led development. It is designed as a place rooted in movement, reflection, and outdoor living—where contemporary lifestyle equates a deep relationship with place.