A volcanic stone house by Cadaval & Solà-Morales holds its own in Mexico

The property, known as Casa Las Palmas, is located at Sollano 81, Centro, in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and is listed for $3.99 million. This tranquil compound in the historic city center is situated near Benito Juarez Park, a landmark green space. The home, dating back to the late 1990s, was personally designed by its former owner, Dolores Gazzotti, who incorporated a unique blend of European, Art Deco, Asian, and Mexican Colonial styles. The design elements include arched doors, decorative panels, and shutters, alongside imported artworks and furnishings from Italy that are still present in the house. The exterior of Casa Las Palmas features a red ochre facade, which harmonizes with the traditional colors prevalent in San Miguel. The property emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with a main level built around a garden area characterized by graceful arches on stone pedestals. Most rooms on this level have doors that open to the outside, facilitating an integrated living experience suitable for entertaining or relaxation. The interior showcases a rich mix of design influences; the entryway and living room, for example, feature Asian-themed accents such as crane sculptures, murals, and large vases. Accommodation on the primary level includes two bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom adorned with distinctive tile motifs. One bathroom boasts glittering blue mosaic columns, while another features intricately patterned green tiles, both reflecting an opulent aesthetic. The property also contains an apartment with a separate entrance on the second level, offering two additional bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom, continuing the theme of unique tile work and Art Deco inspiration. Furthermore, an unfinished casita on the property presents an opportunity for a separate dwelling or an expansion of the main house. The Centro neighborhood, where the home is located, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its 16th- to 18th-century architectural style and historical significance. Benito Juarez Park, often referred to as San Miguel’s “outdoor living room,” was developed in the early 20th century with a French garden style, featuring tailored greenery, fountains, wrought-iron benches, and winding trails. The more prominent central plaza, El Jardin, surrounded by historic buildings, is also nearby. San Miguel de Allende has a rich history, transitioning from a 16th-century Spanish outpost and silver mining center to a 19th-century independence movement birthplace, and later a hub for artists and artisans in the early 20th century. Today, it stands as a premier travel destination, attracting affluent individuals seeking unique second homes like Casa Las Palmas. Vanessa Garay of CDR San Miguel is the listing agent for this property, which is offered at $3.99 million and includes some of its furnishings and artwork. #LuxuryRealEstate #SanMiguelDeAllende #HistoricHomes #MexicanColonialDesign #EclecticInteriors #IndoorOutdoorLiving #UNESCOWorldHeritage #ArtDecoInfluence #GardenProperty

The Downey residence, a 3,200-square-foot rammed-earth home, is situated near the Rio Grande in Corrales, New Mexico. Designed by architect Efthimios Maniatis of Studio eM Design, the home integrates modern contemporary regionalism with sustainable building practices. The design draws inspiration from local adobe farmhouses and agricultural structures, while adhering to a minimalist aesthetic requested by one of the homeowners, Roger Downey. Central to the home's design are its rammed-earth walls, which contribute significantly to its eco-friendly features and thermal performance. These walls are constructed by compacting a mixture of dirt (90%), Portland cement (10%), and water (6-10%) into eight-inch "lifts" within wood forms. This construction method results in walls with subtly varied colors and textures that change throughout the day with the natural light, offering a unique aesthetic quality. The architect emphasizes the tactile nature of the material, noting its inviting texture that encourages touch. The rammed-earth construction provides excellent thermal mass, which helps regulate indoor temperatures naturally, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This inherent property of rammed earth is a cornerstone of the home's sustainable design, minimizing its environmental footprint. The integration of traditional regional materials and building techniques with modern architectural principles creates a dwelling that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. The home is a testament to the potential of sustainable design to blend seamlessly with regional aesthetics. By utilizing locally abundant materials and time-tested building methods, Studio eM Design has created a home that respects its natural surroundings while offering contemporary living spaces. The project showcases how a focus on material properties and local context can lead to innovative and energy-efficient architecture, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to residential development in the New Mexico landscape. #SustainableDesign #RammedEarth #NewMexicoArchitecture #EcoFriendlyHome #StudioEmDesign #ThermalMass #ModernRegionalism #GreenHomes #CorralesNM

Patrón, the premium spirits company, has created a luxury guest house, La Casona Guest House, at its Hacienda Patrón Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. This exclusive facility serves as a first-hand brand experience for VIPs, media partners, and customers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the history and craft of Patrón tequilas. The guest house integrates art, architecture, local design, and Hispanic heritage, reflecting the brand's creation process. The project was a collaborative effort between Patrón’s architectural department and three local firms: Joaquin Homs Studio for interior design and interior landscaping, GVA architects for general landscape, and Grupo CASGO for construction management. The 20-room guest house, not open to the public, features dining and entertainment areas, a full-service bar, and conference facilities, offering world-class hospitality. Designed in a traditional Spanish Colonial style, La Casona incorporates architectural details from 1800s Spanish, French, and Italian designs to acknowledge their historical influence on Mexico. These traditional elements are seamlessly blended with modern design to achieve a cohesive, updated aesthetic. Joaquin Homs, who was deeply involved in the project, noted the correlation between the historical hacienda economic systems and the labor-intensive tequila distillation process. He emphasized the importance of community involvement, engaging over 2,000 local townspeople in creating almost all interior and exterior design elements. The design team implemented bioclimatic architectural processes to suit the local climate and pay homage to historical hacienda design principles. Features such as 16’ 6” high ceilings and strategically angled windows ensure optimal natural lighting and ventilation. Custom lighting systems compensate for variations in natural light throughout the day. The main building’s statement chandelier, crafted by local artisan Ernesto Cruz, features recycled glass and reclaimed wood with working bees on agave plants, symbolizing the importance of agave bees in tequila production. Other lamps and sconces are handmade from forged iron, metal, copper, hand-blown glass, and ceramic tile by local Mexican artisans. Attention to detail extends to the furnishings and fabrics, which are custom-made. Mattresses are custom-sized, and linens are locally sourced. All furniture is custom-designed, echoing early 1900s Mexican character while being modernized with various textiles. Wallpapers from Italy and France, textiles from Mexico and the U.S., French linens, and sustainable silk and grass fiber wallpapers are used throughout. Peter Leder, Patrón’s head of hospitality operations, highlighted the intention to convey Patrón’s legacy as a modern company rooted in heritage. Sustainability is a key aspect, with features like water recycling, rain absorption and well replenishment, red clay walls for climate and acoustic protection, LED lighting, and the use of cacti and semi-desert vegetation for reduced water consumption. Local materials such as Cantera (limestone), marble, onyx, clay tiles, and red bricks are utilized for their natural, reusable, durable, and biodegradable qualities. La Casona exemplifies a growing trend in design, where modern elements harmonize with old-world styles to create warm, inviting, and livable spaces, making commercial hospitality venues feel more like homes. #SpanishColonialDesign #ModernFlair #GuestHouse #MexicanArchitecture #LuxuryTravel #SustainableDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship #BioclimaticArchitecture #InteriorDesign #PatronTequila

In the Valle de Bravo, Mexico, architect Bernardo Chavez Peón designed Los Durmientes, a weekend retreat for a family of five. This project, Peón's first residential endeavor since establishing his Mexico City practice in 2019, aims to integrate the home seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The region, characterized by evergreen woodlands, experiences subtle seasonal changes that deeply influenced the architectural approach. The clients expressed a desire for a space that felt more like a tent than a traditional house, emphasizing their wish for a profound connection to the site itself. Peón’s primary intention was to blur the lines between interior and exterior, particularly in the common areas. A significant focus of the design was a distant view where fog settled between two overlapping hills, creating a captivating display of light and shadows. The expansive living room, considered the heart of the home, is oriented to maximize this vista, offering an alternative to television by encouraging observation of atmospheric shifts like sunlight, rainfall, and mist movements. Other interior spaces strategically frame parts of the landscape or fully open up to invite the temperate climate indoors, fostering a continuous interaction with nature. The material palette further reinforces this immersion. Chavez Peón opted for locally sourced materials, including stone and dark-tinted pine for the structure, Santo Tomás marble for bathroom details, and a combination of wood and Mexican volcanic rock for the floors. This choice was deliberate, reflecting the belief that nature provided the ideal color scheme, and foreign materials would disrupt this harmony. From a distance, the home presents a refined yet organic appearance, as if emerging from the earth or being gradually embraced by it. The varied textures of stone and wood in the façade suggest a timeless quality, hinting at graceful aging even though the project was completed in 2021. The interior spaces are richly textured, mirroring the exuberance of the outdoor scenery. Lavish textiles in muted tones are complemented by accent pieces made from woven palm or terracotta. While some light reflects off warm white furnishings, much of it is absorbed by the darker architectural surfaces, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for relaxation. The home was conceived as a gathering place for the family and their friends and relatives, offering an escape from urban life. This focus on hospitality led to the addition of a sixth bedroom during the design process to accommodate more guests. Private areas, including bedrooms, feature a noble austerity, balancing minimal furniture with ample natural light and varied textures. The culinary facilities include two full kitchens, one indoors and one on a terrace, connected by a vegetable garden. The dining area is also divided to cater to different group sizes, with floor-to-ceiling windows that can be opened to create a unified ambiance for larger gatherings. A striking feature of Los Durmientes is its swimming pool, situated at the base of the overlapping hills. This simple black rectangular pool, which includes a jacuzzi, serves a sculptural purpose when not in use. Its dark, still water reflects the changing sky, functioning as a piece of land art. The pool is visible from all main areas of the house, allowing residents to observe the movement of clouds on its surface, and when submerged, to feel an intimate connection with the earth. #MexicanArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #NatureImmersion #SustainableMaterials #ValleDeBravo #ModernRetreat #ArchitecturalDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving

Rustic home decor is experiencing a significant resurgence, with a particular focus on the Mexican farmhouse aesthetic. Pinterest data indicates a substantial increase in searches for Spanish Mediterranean kitchens and Mexican farmhouse decor, characterized by earthy patterned tiles and rustic terracotta elements. This trend stands in contrast to minimalist, sleek, and modern designs, appealing to those who appreciate imperfections, handmade items, and rich colors in their living spaces. The design firm Bungalowe, led by Karan and Sapna Aggarwal, exemplifies this style in their recently renovated Los Angeles home, which draws inspiration from their travels to Oaxaca, Mexico, and the Ojai Valley Inn. Their home features hand-painted tiles from Old Mexico on baseboards and accent walls, seamlessly blending historic Spanish architecture with an earthy color palette and eclectic furniture. The Mexican farmhouse style, described as an elevated boho aesthetic, creates a timeless, vacation-like ambiance. Key elements include clay vases, dried flowers, wooden kitchenware, and emerald green zellige tiles, which celebrate nature's organic beauty and imperfections. Chris Alexakis of CabinetSelect notes that homeowners are increasingly opting for cozier kitchen spaces that connect with the natural world. Achieving this look involves incorporating colorful, uniquely patterned tiles and rustic terracotta decorations, contributing to a warm and natural atmosphere. The Aggarwals' renovation transformed their one-bedroom, one-bath home into a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath, plus office, while preserving its original Spanish character. Interior materials were carefully chosen to honor the home's history, featuring handmade and hand-painted decorative tiles from Old Mexico and Moroccan Zellige from Zia Tile. An arched nook with colorful tiling offers a distinctive alternative to traditional paint or wallpaper. The office addition is designed as a peaceful retreat with a soothing color palette, including Benjamin Moore Brazilian Rainforest paint, pottery-lined built-in shelves, and linen club chairs. The bedrooms maintain a minimalist aesthetic, incorporating cozy, luxurious linens and handmade textures, with a wrought iron bed providing a vintage touch. Microcement on the interior walls adds to the rustic beauty, exemplified by a unique wavy sink. Terracotta tile floors, a beautiful alternative to oak, are used throughout, with Saltillo tiles linking indoor and outdoor living areas. A fringe blanket in breezy white complements the elegant yet rustic feel, while repeated tile patterns and arched nooks ensure visual coherence. Built-in cabinetry with open shelving provides both practical storage and display space for pottery and handmade baskets, with warm wood tones complementing the tile work. The repetition of green zellige tiles in various spaces, such as the bathroom, creates design simplicity and a seamless transition between areas. Pottery and plants enhance the inviting atmosphere of the bath. Further decorative elements include colorful ceramic tiles with warm wooden shelving. Personal touches like baskets, plants, and travel mementos contribute to a warm and inviting home, enhanced by light fixtures designed to evoke a vacation ambiance. Unique rustic sinks serve as artistic focal points in serene settings. The outdoor area, designed for Los Angeles' indoor/outdoor living, extends the rustic aesthetic with a lounge under a tree with hanging lanterns, a dining area with city views, a terraced garden, and a versatile carport for entertaining. This comprehensive design approach ensures a cohesive and tranquil living environment. #MexicanFarmhouse #RusticDecor #HomeDecorTrends #InteriorDesign #SpanishArchitecture #HandmadeTiles #TerracottaDecor #BungaloweDesign #OaxacaInspired

The article describes the transformation of an old Mexican house into an artist's retreat for financial adviser Dorsey Gardner, located in San Miguel de Allende. Gardner initially sought a small studio but acquired a significantly larger 19th-century cottage, which was later expanded to 12,000 square feet. The property, built in the late 1700s, was surrounded by high walls and presented several challenges. Upon acquiring the property, Gardner faced initial issues, including a dense "cactus farm" on the premises. Hundreds of cacti, including a large candelabra cactus, were carefully relocated. The house also featured numerous false ceilings installed in the 1950s in its oldest section, which architect Sebastian Zavala removed to restore the original height and appearance of the rooms. Zavala also enhanced some ceilings with grand wooden crossbeams and refinished existing 1950s wood doors and windows with a light whitewash. During the renovation, a hand-painted frieze in the primary bedroom was uncovered and preserved. Gardner, who had previously undertaken remodeling projects on his own homes in Boston, entrusted the design of this Mexican property to Zavala and Paris-born, San Miguel–based designer Anne-Marie Midy. Gardner expressed a preference for a neutral aesthetic, distinct from traditional Mexican decor. He provided the designers with inspiration from magazines and gave them "carta blanca" for the project before embarking on an extended trip. Midy, along with her partner Jorge Almada, founded Casa Midy, a design firm specializing in furniture and accessories. Gardner's house became their first major interior design project. He had discovered Midy and Almada at their former bistro, Plum, known for its distinctive all-purple decor, which Midy noted was an effective way to attract clients. Zavala converted the original structure into a three-bedroom, five-bathroom artist's retreat, maintaining the house's Spanish Colonial architectural elements, stone walls, and archways. He added a spacious studio and installed robust columns on the patio, using locally quarried stone. A new second-floor guest room was also added, offering views of the 17th-century parish church's Gothic-style tower, an 1880 addition inspired by European postcards. Midy and Almada adhered to Gardner's request for a more understated Mexican interior design. They avoided extensive use of decorative elements like talavera tiles, except for a minimal application in the kitchen, and chose muted colors. However, they integrated rich local decorative resources, using jute from Yucatán for curtains, linens from local cotton mills, and furniture sourced from regional antiques shops. Even the traditional lime-and-pigment paint was mixed with San Miguel dirt to achieve a warmer tone. Midy and Almada also designed furniture and accessories for the house, such as iron sconces, a leather cocktail table, and bed linens. They collaborated with Zavala to create trench-like fountains inspired by hacienda horse troughs. The project concluded after a year, with Gardner expressing immense satisfaction, declaring the house fit for a king. #MexicanDesign #ArtistStudio #SanMiguelDeAllende #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SpanishColonial #ArchitecturalRestoration #CasaMidy #LuxuryHome

In the foothills of Sierra Morena, Spain, a distinctive dwelling named 'Casa Tierra' has been meticulously carved into the natural limestone strata of the Cuevas del Pino estate. This project, undertaken by UMMO estudio, showcases a harmonious integration of architecture with the existing geological features. The interior design celebrates the rough texture and inherent characteristics of the calcarenite stone, which is prominently featured throughout the living spaces. The design philosophy behind 'Casa Tierra' revolves around a continuous and fluid dialogue between the ancient, pre-existing rock formations and the new architectural interventions. Rather than directly contacting the stone, the intervention maintains a sympathetic proximity, creating a peaceful and unique abode. This approach allows the natural environment to remain a dominant aesthetic element while ensuring modern comfort and functionality. The dwelling's interior layout is sculpted to conform to the irregular contours of the natural rock, resulting in a strong sense of enclosure. Despite being embedded within a cave, the spaces are surprisingly bright, thanks to strategically placed windows that allow ample natural light to penetrate. This careful allocation of openings ensures that the residence does not feel subterranean or dark, but rather open and inviting. New elements introduced into the cave home include a sophisticated marble floor, sleek glass openings, and subtle stone details that complement the natural surroundings. Additionally, the project incorporates hand-crafted furniture, which adds a layer of bespoke artistry and warmth to the unique spatial experience. These modern additions are carefully selected to enhance, rather than detract from, the inherent beauty of the cave environment. The integration of walls provides necessary partitioning for functional areas such, as the bathroom and bedroom, while maintaining the fluid nature of the overall design. Concrete and marble flooring has been meticulously laid to contrast with the ruggedness of the existing rock, creating a visual and tactile juxtaposition that highlights both the raw and refined aspects of the home. Stone tiling is also used to further emphasize this interplay between natural and artificial textures. The architects at UMMO estudio focused on creating a new spatial experience that profoundly values the tectonic nature of the region. The project serves as a testament to how contemporary design can respectfully engage with ancient natural formations, transforming them into livable and aesthetically rich environments. 'Casa Tierra' offers a retreat that is both deeply connected to its geological context and equipped with modern amenities, providing a distinctive living experience. #CaveHome #LimestoneArchitecture #SpanishArchitecture #SustainableDesign #NaturalMaterials #IntegratedArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #Cordoba #UMMOEstudio

The Ranch Mine, a US architectural studio based in Phoenix, has completed a holiday home called Noir Peaks in Flagstaff, northern Arizona. The house is characterized by its black, gabled forms that appear to 'burst vertically from the ground,' reflecting the surrounding volcanic landscape. The location of the property on a grassy, high-altitude plateau in Flagstaff, an area known for its mountains, aspen stands, pine forests, and a vast volcanic field, heavily influenced the design and materiality of the vacation home. The last volcanic eruption in this region occurred approximately 1,000 years ago, leaving a distinctive geological footprint. The Noir Peaks house is built on a two-acre (0.8-hectare) site and consists of a cluster of gabled forms perched on a two-foot-high concrete base. The architectural concept specifically aimed to mimic the volcanic mountains that dot the plateau, with three prominent gabled structures rising vertically. The exterior of the home features fibre-cement, board-and-batten siding, which is painted to match the dark lava rocks prevalent on the site. The spacing of the battens is intentionally varied to evoke the organic and scattered arrangement of nearby aspen trees, contributing to a seamless integration with the natural environment. The design team emphasized the economic construction of the house, stating their goal was to utilize a simple, cost-effective material that could withstand the harsh environmental conditions while achieving an elevated aesthetic through a unique batten pattern. Spanning 2,405 square feet (223 square meters), the interior layout of Noir Peaks is meticulously planned to optimize views of the majestic San Francisco Peaks. The house encompasses multiple communal spaces, a primary suite, three additional bedrooms, a mudroom, a laundry room, and a generously sized garage. The interior design adopts a neutral colour palette complemented by earthy materials such as wood and stone, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere. For instance, tongue-and-groove hemlock clads the ceilings in the great room and the primary bedroom, adding textural richness and natural beauty. Fireplaces throughout the home are faced with Texas Crème limestone, further enhancing the natural and refined aesthetic. The overall interior ambiance is designed to be cozy and restful, drawing inspiration from the Danish concept of 'hygge.' This philosophy emphasizes creating a comforting and convivial environment that promotes well-being and contentment. In line with this, the designers aimed for the home to serve as a refuge where occupants can recover, rest, reflect, and re-energize in preparation for future adventures. To enhance comfort during the colder months, radiant heated concrete floors are installed throughout the house, providing a consistently warm and pleasant daily sensation. The Ranch Mine has a history of developing projects in Arizona, including a minimalist house in Paradise Valley and a series of townhomes in Phoenix featuring brick, stucco, and weathering steel facades. #VolcanicTerrain #GabledForms #HolidayHome #ArizonaArchitecture #TheRanchMine #SustainableDesign #HyggeInterior #EarthyMaterials #ModernArchitecture

In Mérida, Mexico, a growing trend in contemporary design involves the thoughtful reinterpretation of colonial houses, balancing the preservation of historical elements with modern living demands. This approach seeks to connect with the city's rich architectural traditions and integrate its tropical natural environment. The fusion of old and new is achieved through the conservation of existing historical features, the strategic reuse of materials, and the incorporation of contemporary design principles. This allows ancient structures, whether in disrepair or well-preserved, to gain new life while highlighting their inherent architectural beauty. The transformation focuses on creating spaces that foster a direct connection with nature, optimize natural lighting, and ensure effective ventilation, addressing current needs for comfort and sustainability. Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, is characterized by a blend of cultural influences, including Mayan, Spanish, African, French, and Lebanese, which have shaped its unique architectural identity. Traditional colonial homes in the region typically feature arches, high ceilings, large windows, central courtyards, tile roofing, and decorative moldings on door frames. These architectural elements are often preserved and highlighted in contemporary renovations. The design philosophy embraces the contrast between the rough, aged textures of original walls and the smooth, precise lines of new interventions. This juxtaposition creates a dialogue between different historical periods, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and narrative of the spaces. Several architectural projects exemplify this transformative approach. Casa Maca by Workshop, Diseño y Construcción, exemplifies this by preserving historical walls and floors while integrating new volumes, such as an internal patio and a pool, which draw in natural light and connect residents with the outdoors. Similarly, Pakaal House, also by Workshop, Diseño y Construcción, maintains original walls and a traditional facade, adding new volumes and a lush interior garden that blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design emphasizes natural lighting and ventilation through strategic openings. LOHR House by Veinte Diezz Arquitectos showcases the respectful integration of a ruin into a new design. The project preserves original elements while adding new construction that contrasts yet complements the old, creating an internal patio and green spaces for enhanced ventilation and natural light. Vagantes Ermita House by Gina Góngora + Arista Cero demonstrates a similar sensitivity, where new construction harmonizes with existing walls and integrates natural elements like a pool and vegetation within the courtyard, promoting comfort and a connection to the environment. Casa Paseo de Montejo by Taller Estilo Arquitectura also highlights the original construction, contrasting it with clean, contemporary lines and materials, focusing on transparency and natural light to maintain a fresh atmosphere. Furthermore, Casa V by NKN Studio features a longitudinal layout with preserved colonial elements at the front and contemporary additions at the rear, linked by an interior garden. The design ensures good ventilation and natural light through its strategic configuration. Casa Canela by Arista Cero combines the preservation of ancient colonial areas with modern extensions, integrating a central courtyard and pool to enhance the sensory experience with nature. Casa Huolpoch by NKN Studio extends a pre-existing colonial structure, adding new living spaces that incorporate natural materials and maintain visual continuity with the existing architecture. These projects collectively demonstrate a profound respect for Mérida's architectural heritage while adapting it to contemporary needs, creating spaces that are both historically rich and functionally modern. #ColonialHouses #MéridaMexico #ContemporaryDesign #ArchitecturalHeritage #Renovation #SustainableArchitecture #NaturalLight #Ventilation #MaterialReuse

The ‘Santerra House,’ designed and constructed by Parma Arquitectura, is located in El Porvenir, in the heart of Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico. This residence showcases an innovative blend of rammed earth, burnt wood, and concrete, chosen specifically to respond to the region's arid climate. The project emphasizes sustainability, particularly through its use of earth as a primary building material. Rammed earth was selected for its low water consumption during construction, especially significant given the local dry conditions. A substantial portion of the earth used was sourced directly from the site through excavation, further reducing environmental impact. Beyond its minimal water requirements, rammed earth offers benefits such as humidity regulation and high thermal inertia. To capitalize on these properties, Parma Arquitectura implemented 40 cm thick rammed earth walls in all west-facing rooms, strategically placed to mitigate the high sun exposure experienced in the afternoons. The resulting texture and color variations of these walls organically integrate the house with its surrounding arid landscape, creating a harmonious aesthetic. Complementing the rammed earth, sections of the ‘Santerra House’ facades are clad in burnt wood, a technique known as ‘shou sugi ban.’ This traditional Japanese method enhances the wood’s durability and resistance while producing a rich spectrum of black tones that shift with the sunlight and viewing angle. This material choice not only contributes to the house’s resilience but also adds a distinctive visual character. The interior design of the dwelling is characterized by its minimalist approach, with a focus on functionality and connection to the outdoors. A key feature is the outdoor terrace, which acts as a natural extension of the living room, designed for social gatherings, meals, and family activities. This south-facing terrace is strategically enveloped by the building, providing shelter from strong winds. A wooden pergola covers the terrace, allowing sunlight to penetrate during the cooler winter months while offering ample shade in the hot summer, optimizing comfort throughout the year. Primarily conceived as a weekend retreat, the ‘Santerra House’ incorporates practical security features for when it is unoccupied. These include robust shutters and a wrought iron gate, ensuring the property remains secure. The architectural choices reflect a deep understanding of the local climate and an commitment to sustainable building practices, resulting in a residence that is both functional and aesthetically integrated with its environment. #SanterraHouse #RammedEarth #BurntWood #SustainableArchitecture #MexicanArchitecture #ValleDeGuadalupe #ParmaArquitectura #ThermalRegulation #ShouSugiBan

Casa Deco, a residential project situated in Mérida's historic center, showcases a harmonious integration of heritage preservation and modern design principles. The project, undertaken by Taller Mexicano de Arquitectura, focused on maintaining the building's original facade and traditional architectural elements while introducing contemporary functionalities. This transformation was guided by a deep respect for the structure's historical significance within its surroundings. The core objective of the design was to highlight the residence's evolutionary narrative by meticulously blending modern interventions with its inherent historical character. The architects aimed to reinterpret the traditional 'central house' concept, emphasizing the integral role of elements such as the backyard, balconies, and terraces in shaping the living experience. This reinterpretation ensured that the contemporary design solutions not only served modern needs but also amplified the charm of the existing spaces. A significant addition to Casa Deco was the introduction of an upper-level volume, thoughtfully designed to house essential services that were previously lacking or inadequate in the original layout. This strategic intervention addressed practical deficiencies without compromising the historical integrity of the building. Furthermore, a new staircase was incorporated, serving not only as a functional circulation element but also as a design feature that enhances the central space's aesthetic and usability. These modern updates were executed with a keen eye for integration, ensuring they complemented the existing structure rather than detracting from it. A key aspect of this approach involved the preservation of the original textured stone walls, which were intentionally left exposed. This design choice allows natural light to permeate the interiors, thereby accentuating the rich textures and historical patina of the materials, creating a dialogue between the old and the new. The selection of materials was paramount in achieving the desired aesthetic and functional balance at Casa Deco. Taller Mexicano de Arquitectura chose white concrete as the primary finish for the new additions and renovated areas. This material was specifically selected for its ability to create a subtle yet effective contrast with the house's original features, such as the vibrant pasta tile floors and the intricate antique carpentry. The white concrete serves to visually delineate the modern interventions while simultaneously highlighting the historical elements, allowing them to stand out. Ultimately, Casa Deco exemplifies a successful model for urban renewal in historically significant areas. The project demonstrates that contemporary design can coexist harmoniously with historical contexts, creating spaces that are both relevant and functional for current inhabitants while respectfully preserving the architectural legacy for future generations. The meticulous attention to detail in material selection, spatial reinterpretation, and the delicate balance between preservation and innovation define Casa Deco as a significant architectural endeavor. #ArchitecturalPreservation #ModernRenovation #HistoricCenter #MéridaArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #MaterialSelection #StoneWalls #ContemporaryInterventions #MexicanArchitecture

Formafatal, a design studio based in the Czech Republic and Costa Rica, has designed and constructed two identical villas named Achioté on a steep jungled hillside in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. These 95-square-meter villas are located 300 meters above sea level and offer expansive views of the Pacific Ocean through frameless glass walls. The project represents the first known implementation of rammed earth construction in Costa Rica. Dagmar Štěpánová, founder of Formafatal, spearheaded the project, serving as the architect, project manager, construction manager, and a co-investor. Her vision was to create sustainable homes with biophilic interiors, where the sharp lines of the architecture would contrast with the lush tropical vegetation, yet the chosen materials and colors would blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Each villa's rectangular plan incorporates only three solid exterior walls, meticulously built using rammed clay excavated directly from the construction site. Due to Costa Rica's lack of experience with this specific building technique, Brazilian specialist Terra Compacta was brought in to ensure the quality and integrity of the rammed earth construction. These load-bearing rammed earth walls, combined with structural H-columns, support a monolithic concrete ceiling slab, which is further defined by raw steel channels along the exterior roofline. The remaining sections of the villas are enclosed by floor-to-ceiling, frameless glass panels that can retract into ceiling grooves, effectively extending the interior living spaces towards the Pacific Ocean. The layout of each villa is straightforward, featuring a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. These functional areas are enveloped by an open-air terrace, which acts as the primary living space and includes an infinity pool. While the structural form, construction methods, and orientation of the two villas are identical, their interior color schemes differentiate them, reflecting the architect's perception of the site's energies prior to construction. The first villa, Jaspis, embodies yin energy, connecting with the ocean and sky through warm sand-colored hues. In contrast, Nefrit, located 12 meters away, represents yang energy, grounding itself with the earth and jungle through a palette of terracotta and charcoal shades, reminiscent of local soil. The concrete floors in both villas feature distinct non-slip cement screed patterns. Interior fittings merge functionality with aesthetic contrast. The only interior door is a thin sliding fibre-cement panel in the bathroom, while delicate mosquito nets and linen curtains are discreetly installed in ceiling tracks, draping around the beds. Conversely, the bathroom and kitchen counters are integrated into a concrete monolith, and weighty concrete elements like bedside tables and benches draw inspiration from Belgian design principles. Other furnishings, light fixtures, accessories, and art pieces were carefully curated from various international designers, emphasizing originality. This project follows Formafatal's previous collaboration with Refuel Works in 2020 on the nearby Art Villa concrete rental home, which played a pivotal role in Dagmar Štěpánová's relocation to Costa Rica and the expansion of her studio's operations in the region. The project emphasizes sustainable building practices, a strong connection to the natural environment, and a thoughtful integration of interior and exterior design elements. #RammedEarthArchitecture #SustainableDesign #BiophilicInteriors #CostaRicaVillas #ModernArchitecture #InfinityPools #Formafatal #ResidentialDesign #MinimalistArchitecture

Stellah De Ville, a designer and ceramicist, found her calling in working with her hands, starting with ceramics classes in San Francisco in 2014. Her career, which began in fashion in Australia, evolved into interior and product design. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, De Ville relocated to Mexico, first to Oaxaca, where she opened Stellah Gallery and undertook a home renovation. During this period, frequent trips to Mexico City exposed her to the city's dynamic design and fine art scene, leading her to seek a more permanent residence there. Her search for a rental home led her to a 1930s Casona in La Roma, Mexico City, the second listing she encountered. Despite being back in Oaxaca at the time, her friends toured the property on her behalf, with one friend's enthusiastic reaction to the checkerboard flooring in an upstairs sunroom sealing De Ville's decision. She secured a five-year lease on the property, which had previously served as an office for a film production company for 12 years. The Casona required extensive work to transform it into a functional home and event space. Key challenges included the absence of hot water and gas, significant bathroom repairs, a full exterior paint job, and stucco damage. Her landlord provided funds for essential renovations, while De Ville personally oversaw additional improvements, such as cultivating a tropical garden. The house, named Casa de Reunión, has since become a venue for various events, including dinner parties for 25 guests, pop-up art shows, and even opera performances. De Ville emphasizes the humbling lessons learned from ceramics, particularly in embracing failure and imperfection. She describes the house as having a unique character, with almost every floor featuring a different pattern and color, including green, pink, and red. This diverse flooring, unusual in her native Australia, influenced her approach to incorporating color into her designs. The entryway floor, split by an earthquake, was partially re-tiled, and De Ville commissioned replacement tiles for existing holes, highlighting her commitment to preserving the home's original elements while addressing necessary repairs. Respecting the house's materiality was a central theme in her renovation. Original terrazzo elements, including the stairs and a previously damaged foyer shelf, were restored or recreated. For the kitchen terrazzo, De Ville selected pink, yellow, and green tones to integrate the house's existing color palette. This work was executed by women from a local factory found by architect Alberto Franco, involving a four-day installation. The original stained glass window was also partially restored using pieces discovered on-site. The age of the house meant there were no straight lines, adding to its unique charm. The casual dining area, designed to accommodate her cookbook collection, provided functional space. A cabinet found in the house mirrored the floor pattern, and a rug from her previous California home complemented the grid of the windows, creating a cohesive aesthetic. The bathroom featured original wall tiles and tub, with new, locally custom-made basket-weave flooring designed to appear aged. A saffron paint color, initially considered for the exterior courtyard, was instead used in the guest bedroom/office, demonstrating adaptability in design choices. Her creative workspace, accessible through the primary closet, allows her to engage in ceramics for three hours each morning before dedicating time to her custom furniture, lighting, and art collaboration business. The article concludes by showcasing De Ville's dedication to her craft and her integrated approach to living and working within her unique Mexico City home, which she hopes to activate as an artist residency. #MexicoCityHome #DesignerHomeTour #CeramicsStudio #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ArtResidency #LaRoma #TileDesign #Terrazzo

The UC House, a 5,920-square-foot residence located on the outskirts of Morelia, Mexico, blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Designed by Daniela Bucio Sistos, founder of a Mexico-based architecture and design firm, the home is characterized by its minimalist yet textured and warm aesthetic. A central foyer with a raised, circular ceiling features a tree growing through a hole in the floor, serving as a focal axis. Adjacent to this central point, a large glass wall reveals the library, which is considered the heart of the project. The design of the library was paramount, as the clients possessed an extensive collection of approximately 15,000 books, which previously filled every available space in their former home, including bathrooms and near the chimney. Sistos aimed to create contemplative spaces that diverge from traditional home aesthetics. Responding to the clients' desire for a single-floor residence without stairs for easy navigation, the UC House incorporates an open-plan living area that includes a lounge space, dining room, and kitchen. This area is situated at the back of the house and opens onto a patio with a ramp leading to a lush garden. The primary bedroom is also located at the rear, while three additional bedrooms are positioned towards the front facade of the property. The architect sought to achieve an almost monochromatic palette throughout the home, predominantly utilizing earthy tones such as red, brown, ochre, yellow, and beige. Sistos intentionally prioritized textural contrast over color variation to create a serene and contemporary atmosphere. All construction materials, including bricks and stone, were sourced locally to integrate the residence seamlessly with its surroundings. Additionally, Sistos collaborated with local copper artisans to incorporate decorative elements into some of the interior spaces, further grounding the home in its regional context. The resulting design provides a peaceful and modern sanctuary in Michoacán's capital. The project's credits attribute Daniela Bucio Sistos for the architectural design, general contracting, landscape design, lighting design, and interior design, with Victor Marín as the structural engineer. #MexicanArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ModernHomeDesign #LibraryDesign #CircularMotifs #BrickAndConcrete #EarthyTones #MonochromaticPalette #SustainableMaterials

The Pergola House in Playa Grande, Costa Rica, designed by Studio Saxe, represents a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living, conceived after the clients experienced a personal loss and sought a fresh start in Costa Rica. The architectural design was specifically tailored to integrate with the vibrant natural landscapes of the region, focusing on a seamless transition between the home and its environment. The project's genesis stems from the clients' desire for a deep connection with nature and an active family lifestyle following the loss of their previous home to wildfires. The core concept of the Pergola House revolves around a series of elegant pergolas. These structures serve multiple functions: they unify the garden with the living spaces, extend the outdoor experience by inviting coastal breezes and panoramic mountain and ocean views into the home, and provide natural shade. The design is characterized by structured rib elements that can expand or contract, adapting to the surrounding topography and existing trees. This adaptability allowed for the incorporation of natural elements directly into the architectural scheme, with intentional gaps in the roofline to accommodate and celebrate the verdant vegetation. Sustainability was a paramount consideration in the design and construction of the Pergola House. The residence generates its own energy through solar power, while the extensive pergolas and overhangs provide natural shading to mitigate heat gain. Strategic placement of windows promotes natural cross-ventilation, drawing cool air from both the ocean and the mountains, thereby reducing reliance on artificial cooling systems. Furthermore, water recycling systems are implemented to irrigate the surrounding landscape, supporting local flora and contributing to the cooling of the home's exterior surfaces. This holistic approach ensures that the house not only minimizes its environmental footprint but also actively enhances its ecological setting. The construction process emphasized efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Prefabricated structural metal ribs were assembled on-site, a method chosen to reduce disruption to the natural landscape. This technique also offered flexibility, allowing the architecture to navigate around existing trees and challenging topographical features. The project utilized a combination of local materials and prefabricated elements, showcasing a commitment to light-touch construction that integrates innovation with traditional building practices. This approach underscores the project's dedication to both aesthetic harmony and ecological responsibility. Completed in December 2022, the Pergola House spans approximately 400 square meters. The design director for Studio Saxe was Benjamin G. Saxe, with interior design by Sofía Interiorismo, landscape design by Studio Saxe, structural engineering by GUIDI Estructurales, and electromechanical engineering by DYNAMO. C+C served as the builder. The clients expressed that the home symbolizes renewal and resilience, providing a sanctuary where family life can thrive amidst nature. The architectural philosophy captivated them with its seamless integration into the environment and its reflection of the inhabitants' personal journey, creating a dwelling that embodies hope and new beginnings in the vibrant Costa Rican landscape. #PergolaHouse #CostaRicanArchitecture #SustainableDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving #StudioSaxe #PlayaGrande #TropicalArchitecture #EcoFriendlyHome

Villa Petricor, a 300-square-meter home designed by Mexican studio CO-LAB Design Office, is located in Tulum on an angled property surrounded by tropical vegetation. The design emphasizes an intimate connection between residents and nature, drawing inspiration from the "earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil." The home is strategically placed among numerous trees, with windows specifically positioned to offer captivating views of the surrounding flora. The design team highlighted that the shadows cast by the vegetation extend nature's presence into every room. The entrance features a concrete block brise-soleil, offering glimpses into the interior while maintaining privacy. Upon entering, residents encounter interiors characterized by arched openings and cozy niches, fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor flow and a sense of openness throughout the home. The ground floor accommodates two bedrooms, an open lounge area, and a combined cooking and dining space. Large doors on this level provide access to a terrace and a swimming pool. CO-LAB describes the home's interiors as "sculpted and monolithic." The upper level is dedicated to a split-level main suite, which includes a sleeping area, a lounge, a bathroom, and a terrace. A notable feature of this suite is its vaulted ceiling. The suite also incorporates built-in furniture, such as a platform bed and wall-integrated benches, contributing to the cohesive design. Custom finishes and pivoting windows, constructed from rolled, stainless-steel tube frames, further reinforce the monolithic aesthetic. The walls are finished with polished cement, and the floors feature terrazzo, both colored with a mineral pigment. Four skylights are incorporated into the design to maximize natural light entry. The studio explained that the washed light on the walls and floors accentuates the texture of the polished cement interiors, showcasing the unique handiwork of local artisans. These design elements collectively enhance the home's sculptural quality, creating an environment that balances fluidity with stillness and deeply integrates with its natural surroundings. #VillaPetricor #TulumArchitecture #COLABDesignOffice #ConcreteHome #TropicalLiving #IndoorOutdoorLiving #RusticModernDesign #SustainableDesign #MexicanArchitecture