A COMPANY founded in Conil de la Frontera is gaining recognition beyond Spain while contributing to local employment and economic activity across the Cadiz region.
The company Mas Maya is quietly drawing international architects, designers and creatives to Cadiz, as word spreads about a material being developed and produced in the area.
Mas Maya is a brand shaped by a personal journey that began with a move from the UK to southern Spain, where founders Jemma and Rickard set out to build a new life.
Their first project was the renovation of a rental property now known as Villa Mas Tranquila, which marked the beginning of their exploration into materials and design.
Building on this experience, they went on to develop what is now known as the Mas Maya House in Conil, conceived as a sensitively designed home that sits within its surroundings, combining local architectural heritage with a seamless contemporary design that emphasises simplicity, texture and a natural flow throughout.
As part of that process, they were searching for a natural, durable material suited to the architecture and climate of Andalucia.
The turning point came during a family trip to Mexico, where they
discovered traditional Mayan plaster in a house they were staying in.
Its soft, seamless finish and durability left a lasting impression.
It was felt most strongly by their daughter Alma, who is autistic.
Her response to the space, and the sense of calm it created, became a defining moment for the founders.
Inspired to recreate something similar in Spain, the founders began exploring how to adapt this centuries-old technique for a European context.
While the original material relies on a natural liquid extract from the chukum tree native to the Yucatan Peninsula, this could not be sourced sustainably at scale.
Instead, working with a specialist Mexican chemist, they developed an improved formulation produced in Andalucia, combining a limestone base with a mix of natural plant extracts.
This process draws on the principles of biomimicry, reflecting how natural materials form and behave, resulting in a breathable coating designed to respond to its environment.
Established less than two years ago, Mas Maya has grown rapidly from a local start-up into a business now exporting to more than 30 countries worldwide.
The company has expanded its team to over 25 people, with operations firmly rooted in Andalucia.
While its reach continues to grow, Mas Maya remains closely tied to its local base.
The company has established its office, production warehouse and showroom in Conil, attracting architects, designers and installers from across Europe and beyond.
Many travel to the town to experience the material first-hand and take part in hands-on training.
This growing interest is bringing visitors into Conil and the wider Cadiz area, contributing to the local economy beyond the business itself.
Alongside its commercial activity, Mas Maya is also participating in design fairs in cities including London, Lisbon, Amsterdam and Marbella, further strengthening its presence within the wider design landscape.
Founder Rickard Jardemar says: ‘What’s been most exciting is building something here in Andalucia from the ground up. It started as a
personal project, but it’s grown into something much more, working with a mix of local people and international clients, all bringing different perspectives.’
‘There’s a real energy around it. Seeing people travel to Conil to experience the material, learn, and be part of it has been incredibly rewarding. It
feels like we’re creating something that connects people as much as it creates spaces.’
As the business continues to expand, its focus remains on strengthening its presence in Andalucia while continuing to attract visitors and professionals to the region.
With increasing interest in natural, breathable materials and traditional techniques, Mas Maya reflects a new generation of businesses combining craftsmanship, sustainability and local economic impact.
Its finishes are designed to regulate moisture and respond to the surrounding environment, helping to create spaces that feel calmer, more balanced and comfortable to live and work in.
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