weber arquitectos builds social cabins with volcanic stone in mexican forest

MA House, designed by architects Eduardo Cadaval and Clara Solà-Morales, is situated in Tepoztlán, a pre-Hispanic village south of Mexico City known for its natural environment and as a cultural retreat. This project functions as a holiday home, with future plans for it to become the owners' primary residence. The design emphasizes a strong connection between the structure, the surrounding landscape, and its inhabitants, achieving this through a combination of geometric forms and strategic material use. The house features monumental construction using volcanic stone and concrete. Its two diagonal peaks mirror the incline of the rocky mountains flanking the site, integrating the building into its natural surroundings while establishing a distinct architectural presence. To maximize the relationship with the outdoors, framed windows open up mountain views to the interior. Covered patios are strategically placed to intersect diagonally across the square plan, connecting three distinct 'pavilions' under a single, solid concrete roof. This layout creates natural outdoor living spaces that are integrated into the home's circulation. The primary construction material is locally sourced volcanic stone, which authentically links the house to its environmental context. The architects selected this material for its low maintenance and cost-effectiveness, despite the inherent challenges in using it structurally. The walls are 40cm thick and bear the entire load of the house, highlighting the principle that every element serves a functional purpose, rather than being mere decoration. This structural use of volcanic stone was a significant technical challenge for the design team. In addition to volcanic stone, the roof is constructed from waterproof concrete, which the architects chose to leave exposed without any additional finishes. This decision further reinforces the economical and functional approach to materials, allowing the raw beauty and inherent qualities of the construction elements to define the aesthetic. The diagonal patios and the sloping roof contribute to dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day, adding to the house's visual interest and its connection to natural cycles. The interior design was a collaborative effort, with one of the clients contributing to the scheme. Double-height windows are prominent, specifically designed to prioritize views of the mountain range. The layout, comprising three pavilions linked by covered patios, facilitates a fluid experience between indoor and outdoor spaces. Bedrooms are oriented to face the mountain views, enhancing the residents' connection to the landscape. The exposure of raw materials internally defines a natural and authentic atmosphere within the home. Overall, MA House exemplifies an architectural approach that prioritizes structural integrity, material authenticity, and an immersive relationship with its natural setting. The design by Cadaval & Solà-Morales successfully navigates the complexities of integrating a modern structure into a sensitive landscape, utilizing local resources and thoughtful planning to create a residence that is both visually striking and functionally robust. #MexicanArchitecture #VolcanicStone #CadavalSolaMorales #SustainableDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #ConcreteArchitecture #Tepoztlan #LandscapeIntegration #HolidayHome

Architects Maria Gomez, Giovanni Ocampo, and Héctor Coss have designed Casa Santos, a low-lying, three-house retreat in Todos Santos, a coastal town on Mexico's Baja Peninsula. The project, located on a 2,000-square-meter desert property with distant sea views, aims to integrate concrete with the desert's aesthetic and address the region's seismic vulnerability. The retreat, which includes three residential buildings and a fourth for service functions, is intended for the Miami Beach-based owners and is also available for rent. The design process prioritized harmony with the natural terrain and resilience against earthquakes. The architects describe Casa Santos as an exploration of concrete's potential to foster community and sustainability within the desert environment. The structures feature ribbed concrete with a pinkish hue, chosen to blend with the natural desert sand and mitigate solar heat gain. The fluting in the walls creates shadows, contributing to passive cooling, while the concrete itself offers thermal relief from the desert heat and structural integrity in an earthquake-prone area. The construction utilized formwork made of rolled-steel sheets, which provided flexibility in placing apertures. After the concrete work was completed, these steel sheets were repurposed for other elements on the property, such as doors, fences, and gates, demonstrating a commitment to material efficiency and recycling. This approach aligns with the project's sustainability goals. The individual homes within Casa Santos share similar layouts, though two have three bedrooms and one has two bedrooms. Each residence includes a kitchen, dining area, and lounge space. The buildings are composed of cube-shaped modules, each measuring 25 square meters, with separate modules for bedrooms/bathrooms and public functions. These modules are intentionally arranged to interact, forming a series of passages, alleys, patios, and squares that evoke the spatial organization of a medieval town. Interior materials include medium-density fiberboard millwork and concrete flooring. The distinctive ribbed concrete walls are left exposed throughout the interiors, providing a consistent aesthetic and tactile quality. The architects emphasize that the walls function as a pure, articulating element, simultaneously serving as interior and exterior surfaces, facades, structural components, and contributing to the overall texture and finish of the spaces. Casa Santos is presented as a contemporary answer to fundamental questions in modern architecture, offering a model for modular construction and scalable accessibility. It incorporates sustainability and climate resilience through its material choices and design strategies. The project achieves an architecture that is austere, formal, and deeply connected to its natural surroundings. Maria Gomez and Giovanni Ocampo lead La Nopalera, and Héctor Coss has his studio, both based in Mexico City. The photography for Casa Santos was done by Jaime Navarro. #MexicanArchitecture #ConcreteDesign #SustainableArchitecture #DesertHomes #ModularConstruction #SeismicResilience #ArchitecturalInnovation #ResidentialDesign #BajaPeninsula

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

In the Las Lomas neighborhood of Mexico City, Taller Héctor Barroso has completed the Sierra Mimbres project, a multi-family dwelling designed to accommodate three brothers with distinct living preferences. The four-story building, constructed on an angled site measuring 15 by 17 meters, stands on the foundations of a previously demolished home. The architectural objective was to maximize the existing footprint while optimizing views of the surrounding landscape. The building's design features rectilinear volumes and incorporates a material palette of white concrete, steel, and wood, selected for their durability and low maintenance requirements. Extensive use of large glass panels ensures abundant natural light penetration and frames panoramic views. The Sierra Mimbres complex encompasses a total area of 1,355 square meters. The ground and first floors each house a unit with nearly identical layouts, comprising a public area, a master suite, and an additional bedroom. The third apartment occupies the entire second floor and extends into a glazed pavilion on the rooftop, which offers expansive 180-degree views of the city. The interiors are characterized by a modern yet inviting aesthetic, achieved through the application of earthy materials, soft textures, and direct engagement with the greenery outside. Stucco walls, laminated wood floors, and oak cabinetry contribute to a warm and relaxed living environment within each apartment. Throughout the structure, balconies and terraces are strategically integrated to provide residents with opportunities for outdoor relaxation and to enjoy the scenery. The ground level of the property is enveloped by lush vegetation and secured by a protective fence. This project builds upon Taller Héctor Barroso's prior works, such as the caramel-colored LC710 apartment complex in Colonia del Valle and the white concrete S House, which is notable for its arrangement around a shallow pool. The design philosophy consistently aims to create homes that are both functional and aesthetically integrated with their specific environmental contexts. Sierra Mimbres exemplifies contemporary residential architecture in Mexico City, joining other notable projects in the area that explore diverse material applications and design approaches. These include a board-marked concrete dwelling by PPAA Arquitectos, a home crafted from mud bricks and teak wood by DCPP, and a courtyard home by Taller Paralelo, which repurposed a formerly abandoned building. The careful consideration of resident needs, site constraints, and material choices underscores a commitment to creating distinctive and harmonious living spaces within the vibrant urban fabric of Mexico City. #ResidentialArchitecture #MexicoCity #MultiFamilyHousing #WhiteConcrete #ContemporaryDesign #TallerHectorBarroso #SustainableMaterials #UrbanLiving

The Rio Perdido West Bungalows, designed by Studio Saxe, are located in Bagaces, Costa Rica, near a volcanic range. This project, completed in 2024 and spanning 816 square meters, consists of floating pavilions integrated into lush forests, offering views of a canyon. The design philosophy of Studio Saxe emphasizes connecting inhabitants with nature, aligning with the firm's broader approach to tropical architecture. The bungalows are part of a hospitality development that seeks to enhance the natural environment through its architectural language. The bungalows are designed to be light and environmentally sensitive, minimizing their impact on the surrounding ecosystem. This approach is rooted in the Studio Saxe's commitment to sustainable design, where structures are conceived as part of the landscape rather than an imposition upon it. The use of natural materials and careful siting are key elements in achieving this integration. The design strategy specifically addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by the unique topography and climate of Costa Rica's volcanic region. Structural engineering for the project was handled by SOTELA ALFARO and BILDTEK, ensuring the stability and safety of the elevated structures. UTSUPRA was responsible for the electromechanical systems, focusing on efficiency and minimal environmental footprint. JIMACO Constructores executed the construction, bringing the architectural vision to fruition. Dania Saragovia provided the interior design, ensuring that the internal spaces complement the natural external environment and provide comfort for guests. Key materials used in the construction include wood, steel, and concrete. Wood is extensively utilized for its aesthetic qualities and its ability to blend with the natural surroundings, as well as for its renewable properties. Steel provides structural integrity, especially for the 'floating' elements of the pavilions, allowing for large spans and a lighter visual impact. Concrete is likely used for foundations and other critical structural components, ensuring durability and stability in the tropical climate. The selection of these materials reflects a balance between architectural expression, structural requirements, and environmental considerations. The project falls under the category of 'Cabins & Lodges' and 'Hospitality Architecture,' indicating its function as accommodation for visitors seeking an immersive natural experience. The bungalows are situated in Bagaces, a location known for its ecological significance and proximity to volcanic landscapes. The design aims to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica, offering a serene retreat that respects and highlights its natural context. #HospitalityArchitecture #CabinsLodges #SustainableDesign #TropicalArchitecture #WoodenStructures #CostaRica #Bagaces #StudioSaxe

The "Patio House" project, designed by herchell arquitectos, is located in San Sebastián del Oeste Centro, Mexico, and was completed in 2022. The house occupies an area of 715 square meters and was photographed by Lorena Darquea Schettini, with Miguel Hernandez Michel as the lead architect. The project's core philosophy centers on challenging conventional living standards and offering an experiential escape from urban daily life. The architectural design of the Patio House prioritizes integration with nature, featuring central patios and exterior corridors supported by steel columns. This design aims to create a harmonious coexistence between the built environment and the natural surroundings, inviting residents to engage with an unknown and refuge-like experience. The emphasis on nature is evident in the inclusion of gardens and courtyards, which are integral to the living spaces. The house incorporates a variety of materials, primarily wood and brick, which contribute to its aesthetic and structural integrity. The design features large windows and open facades that allow ample natural light and views of the exterior. Interior spaces showcase exposed beams and columns, highlighting the structural elements as part of the design narrative. The floor plan, including both ground and upper levels, indicates a thoughtful arrangement of rooms around the central patio concept, promoting an open and fluid living environment. The house also includes elements such as stairs with handrails and various living areas, suggesting a multi-functional and comfortable residential space. The project's design aims to evoke a sense of detachment from the typical urban experience, providing a serene and immersive environment. The use of specific materials like wood and brick, combined with the strategic placement of patios, reinforces this intention by blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The house is categorized under residential architecture and houses, reflecting its primary function while also highlighting its unique design approach. Overall, the Patio House by herchell arquitectos represents a contemporary approach to residential design in Mexico, focusing on challenging traditional living paradigms and creating a deep connection between the inhabitants and the natural world. The project's architectural elements, material choices, and spatial organization all contribute to its overarching goal of providing a distinctive and enriching living experience. #ResidentialArchitecture #PatioHouse #MexicanArchitecture #HerchellArquitectos #SanSebastianDelOeste #WoodAndBrick #NaturalIntegration #ArchitecturalDesign

TAC Taller Alberto Calleja designed Casa Kani Ini, a seaside retreat situated on a 4,500 sqm plot in the El Vigía sector of Puerto Escondido, on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. The project aimed to create a comprehensive living space for a family while minimizing environmental impact. To achieve this, the design strategy involved fragmenting the total built area into several strategically distributed independent structures, rather than constructing a single, massive building. This approach ensures enhanced privacy, optimal ventilation, and a stronger connection with the natural landscape. The social and recreational areas of Casa Kani Ini are housed within a continuous nave, which is supported by a mixed structure of wood and concrete. This nave is oriented directly towards the beach and the Pacific Ocean, maximizing views and natural light. It features a single-sloped roof and a flat slab section that supports a rooftop area. This elevated rooftop serves as a contemplative space, offering new perspectives of the surroundings and enriching the visual and sensory experience from a higher vantage point. A central green water courtyard forms the core of the house, acting as a transitional element and a natural distributor between different spaces. This courtyard maintains a sense of openness and fluidity throughout the property while also providing privacy and enhancing natural airflow. The bedrooms and service areas are organized into six independent modules, positioned at the rear of the property in a staggered layout. This arrangement physically isolates the various functions, with these solid volumes connected only by circulation bridges. This fragmentation of the built mass across the site facilitates a harmonious integration with the surrounding natural environment, allowing the architecture to blend seamlessly into its coastal setting. The design of Casa Kani Ini fosters a dynamic interplay between the architectural forms and the natural environment. The strategic placement of independent volumes, combined with the use of natural materials like wood and concrete, contributes to a balanced and respectful intervention in the landscape. The project prioritizes natural ventilation and open spaces, ensuring that the inhabitants can fully experience the coastal setting while enjoying privacy and comfort. The overall scheme reflects a thoughtful consideration of site conditions and client needs, resulting in a retreat that is both functional and deeply connected to its unique Mexican coastal location. #ResidentialArchitecture #SeasideRetreat #MexicanArchitecture #WoodAndConcrete #SustainableDesign #CoastalLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #EnvironmentalIntegration #PrivacyAndOpenness

The article presents an interview with Saxon Hall, founder of Saxon Hall Architecture, focusing on his firm's first prefabricated project, the Standup Cabin. Hall, based in Tasmania, Australia, developed an interest in prefabricated buildings after observing a need for transportable, low-maintenance homes capable of withstanding the region's extreme temperatures. The Standup Cabin, a two-module, 968-square-foot structure, serves as shared dining, bathing, and cooking facilities for a coastal campsite on the Tasman Peninsula. The primary goal of the project was to design a sustainable, transportable dwelling that minimizes site disturbance and allows for easy relocation, while also offering a functional living space connected to the surrounding landscape. The owners appreciate the cabin's design elements, particularly the picture frame windows offering ocean views and the light touch of the structure on the ground, which avoids the extensive disruption of conventional construction. They also value the asset's relocatability and reusability. A key distinguishing feature of the Standup Cabin is its use of the Mega Anchor footing system. This contemporary foundation technology minimizes site disturbance, reduces construction time, and can be removed and reused. It eliminates the need for significant excavation and drainage, particularly on sloped terrains, preventing erosion and allowing the structure to conform to natural contours. The Mega Anchor is quick to install, immediately load-bearing, and does not require inspection or drying time. External cladding for the cabin is Western Red Cedar, chosen for its durability and stability. This material is resistant to warping, shrinking, and cupping, and its natural chemicals provide inherent protection against moisture damage, making it suitable for a weather-prone region. The cabin was constructed offsite in Victoria, Australia, and then transported and assembled on the Tasmanian site within two days, a process made feasible by the lead contractor Space Cube's previously tested transportable design system. This system involved transporting a prototype 400 miles across the Bass Strait, demonstrating its viability. The design of the Standup Cabin is robust enough to handle a wide range of temperatures, from 32° to 95° Fahrenheit, making it adaptable to various global environments. Saxon Hall is currently collaborating with Davies Construction on a new brand called Fortifab, which focuses on modular buildings and panelized building envelopes, incorporating passive house standards for longevity, health, and comfort. While none of his designs are currently pre-permitted in U.S. municipalities, the typical project timeline from deposit to handover for a Fortifab project is 150 days, excluding approval delays, emphasizing speed and reduced unforeseen costs through offsite construction. Saxon Hall Architecture manages the design, consultant coordination, statutory approvals, and building contract preparation. Clients can customize external claddings, roofing finishes, window and door placements (depending on views, heating loads, and privacy), and internal cabinetry, door hardware, and appliances. Optional add-ons include solar panels, battery storage, rainwater harvesting, and Starlink services. The Standup Cabin stands out from typical Australian campsite buildings by combining functionality with thoughtful design, exemplified by its floor-to-ceiling windows and durable materials. #PrefabricatedArchitecture #ModularConstruction #OffGridLiving #SustainableDesign #TasmanianArchitecture #StandupCabin #MegaAnchorSystem #WesternRedCedar #TransportableHomes #CampsiteDesign

In Arizona's San Rafael Valley, the architectural firm DUST has completed "Casa Caldera," an off-grid dwelling designed to harmonize with the unique historical and environmental context of the region. This area, located 15 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, is characterized by its volcanic origins, which have resulted in mineral-rich land and a storied history influenced by various cultures and historical events. The design of Casa Caldera directly responds to these influences, emphasizing sustainability and integration with the landscape. The dwelling's construction material, scoria—a porous, lightweight red volcanic aggregate—is integral to its design and performance. This basaltic lava was mixed into a semi-fluid state and pressed into formwork, a technique similar to rammed earth construction, allowing the walls to be self-supporting. This choice of material not only provides excellent thermal insulation due to its 18-inch thickness but also ensures the structure visually blends into its volcanic surroundings. The 880-square-foot home's layout is informed by local architectural typologies, specifically the "zaguan," a central hallway or passage. This design choice addresses the clients' request for both outdoor living and sleeping zones, organizing the interior space efficiently. The house features a rectangular plan divided into three zones: living accommodations and sleeping quarters flank the central zaguan. Large folding metal doors at both ends of the zaguan allow the covered living space to open up to the surrounding landscape, promoting natural light and cross-ventilation. When closed, these partitions offer security and protection. This flexible design allows the central volume to serve multiple functions, from lounging and dining to an additional sleeping area. The zaguan functions as a transitional space, allowing occupants to engage with the natural environment, observe the passage of time, and experience the changing climatic conditions. Heating within the dwelling is provided solely by a wood-burning stove and a fireplace, maintaining the off-grid ethos. Cooling relies on the natural thermal mass of the thick scoria walls and passive airflow, which is managed through strategically placed external operable windows. These windows are intentionally small to minimize direct solar heat gain during the hot summer months, reflecting a careful consideration of solar orientation to optimize indoor comfort without reliance on active cooling systems. Casa Caldera is a testament to custom craftsmanship, with DUST undertaking the fabrication and installation of nearly all components, including the walls, windows, hardware, leather pulls, wood siding, millwork, casework, and framing. This comprehensive approach ensures a cohesive and deeply integrated design. For its utility needs, the dwelling is self-sufficient: an existing well provides water, and a small solar electrical system, situated away from the main house, supplies basic electrical power. Cooking, water heating, and refrigeration are powered by propane gas, further reducing the home’s environmental footprint and reliance on external infrastructure. Completed in December 2015, Casa Caldera represents a harmonious blend of traditional building methods, sustainable practices, and a deep respect for its unique desert environment. #OffGridLiving #SustainableArchitecture #VolcanicRock #ArizonaDesign #DUSTArchitects #CustomBuild #PassiveCooling #Zaguan #DesertArchitecture

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

PPAA, a Mexico City-based architectural studio, has completed a guesthouse project for the Danish homeware brand Vipp in Todos Santos, a town located on Mexico's Baja California peninsula. The project marks Vipp's expansion into the hospitality sector. The design emphasizes a harmonious integration with the desert landscape, utilizing pale rammed-earth for both its aesthetic qualities and thermal efficiency. The guesthouse's architecture aims to convey a sense of longevity, appearing as if it has always been an integral part of its environment and is designed to evolve gracefully over time. The structural composition of the guesthouse consists of three distinct square volumes: a primary residence and two guest accommodations. These volumes are strategically arranged around a central courtyard, positioned at each corner and staggered to conform to the natural, gentle slope of the site. This careful placement ensures that each space maintains a degree of privacy while remaining connected to the broader landscape. The design creates a balance between providing shelter from the desert climate and embracing natural elements like ventilation, light, and scenic views. Interior spaces are characterized by their openness, extending onto expansive, stepped terraces. Semi-external living and dining areas are thoughtfully protected by the robust rammed-earth walls. The guest bedrooms feature sliding screens made from the woven branches of the Palo de Arco tree, allowing them to open directly onto the central courtyard. This material choice further enhances the natural integration of the structure. Each of the three volumes is topped with an additional terrace, shaded by fabric canopies supported by metal frames. The largest of these rooftop terraces incorporates a circular swimming pool, which is envisioned as a prime viewing platform for contemplation. From this vantage point, the surrounding landscape, encompassing the desert, ocean, and sky, unfolds in a manner that is both vast and intimate. The material palette primarily features the pale-coloured rammed-earth walls, left exposed throughout the structure, complemented by local stone and wood. The guesthouse is furnished with pieces specifically created by Vipp, further enhancing its bespoke character. PPAA, established in 2018, has a portfolio that includes a mass-timber office building in Querétaro, Mexico, and a concrete villa overlooking Lake Zurich in Switzerland, showcasing their diverse architectural capabilities. The photography for the Todos Santos guesthouse project was undertaken by Anders Hviid. #PPAA #RammedEarth #Guesthouse #MexicanArchitecture #SustainableDesign #Vipp #CoastalArchitecture #DesertArchitecture #Terraces

COA Arquitectura has designed the Tierra Tinta Winery in Aguascalientes, Mexico, as a modular complex that integrates natural and local materials, reflecting its vineyard context. The project comprises three distinct buildings and an event esplanade, all seamlessly connected by a network of corridors and carefully curated landscaped gardens. The buildings consist of a restroom core with an integrated warehouse and boutique, an envisioned but currently unbuilt restaurant, and the central winery building, which houses a tasting room and a cellar. The architectural arrangement positions these structures diagonally, strategically framing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including a tranquil lake, the expansive vineyards, and the distant Cerro del Muerto. This diagonal placement also serves to create sheltered and enclosed spaces within the complex. A key design feature is the incorporation of 'loose' suelocemento walls, which are essentially rammed earth fortified with cement. These robust walls are utilized as freestanding, square, or c-shaped enclosures, defining various areas within the winery. Complementing these earthen structures are lightweight metal and sheet metal components, which enclose spaces and evoke the aesthetic of typical agricultural buildings found in rural settings. The open areas between the walls and the esplanade are meticulously landscaped with low desert vegetation, such as cacti, shrubs, and olive trees. Stone walls are ingeniously integrated into the landscape, serving both as seating elements and as retainers for the terraced areas, with their geometric patterns echoing the orderly layout of the vineyard. Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed into a square defined by these distinctive walls and a line of cacti. This entry point, designed by COA’s architectural team, guides visitors along an avenue leading to the main esplanade. The first building encountered houses the restroom core, featuring tall, full-height openings that provide access to the facilities. Inside, a serene cactus courtyard offers a transitional space before entering a porticoed waiting area. The restroom interiors are adorned with metal and wood screens, and steel counters, leading to a common courtyard where privacy is maintained through low, T-shaped stone walls that strike a balance between seclusion and openness. The winery itself serves as the central focal point of the esplanade, marked by an impressive 47-meter-long, 5-meter-high wall that features a slender, full-height opening indicating the entrance. Beyond this entrance, a central courtyard provides access to both the wine production area and the tasting room. The production area is distinguished by its sawtooth-shaped corrugated steel roofing, engineered to maximize natural light through north-facing windows. The tasting room is encased by two solid walls and incorporates pivoting doors on either side, facilitating a smooth transition from the central courtyard to a wooden deck that cantilevers over the lake. The interior of the tasting room exudes warmth, with a floor crafted from reclaimed train sleepers and a wooden ceiling. Minimalist furnishings include a wall-mounted wardrobe, counter tables, and a steel cylinder that houses a spiral staircase descending to the cellar below. In the cellar, a winding, serpent-shaped pathway draws visitors deeper into the space, intentionally leaving natural light behind to create a dramatic and immersive atmosphere. Located beneath the production area, the cellar is supported by twin columns that uphold the concrete slab and steel beams, allowing the excavated earth walls to remain exposed. This subterranean space is designed for both wine maturation and tasting, featuring wine barrels, naturally moistened boulders, and a sophisticated bottle cabinet, all contributing to a rustic and atmospheric ambiance that enhances the overall visitor experience. #WineryArchitecture #RammedEarth #MetalSheets #SustainableDesign #MexicanArchitecture #VineyardDesign #Aguascalientes #NaturalMaterials #ArchitecturalLandscape

Contemporary Mexican architecture showcases a remarkable fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces, a tradition deeply rooted in the country's historical architectural practices and influenced by its climate and cultural values. This design philosophy, which dates back to ancient structures like the palaces of Teotihuacan and colonial apartments centered around loggias, emphasizes seamless transitions between sheltered interiors and open-air environments. Mexican modernists of the mid-20th century, such as Luis Barragán and Enrique del Moral, were pivotal in integrating the International Style with local conditions, viewing gardens as extensions of interior rooms and designing homes that, while appearing private from the street, opened expansively to natural surroundings through courtyards and terraces. More recent architects like Alberto Kalach and Mauricio Rocha have continued this legacy, with contemporary firms developing even more innovative solutions to maximize the landscape. These approaches include large openings, strategic framing of vistas, fully retractable walls, and carefully selected material palettes that enhance the connection to nature. Five examples illustrate this diverse spectrum. Manuel Cervantes's homes near Mexico City exemplify how design can respond to topography. His own home in Amatepec, spread across multiple levels, uses the site's natural slope to create permeability. An existing jacaranda tree forms the basis for an aromatic entrance garden, while a spacious living room with pivotable floor-to-ceiling windows dissolves the barrier between inside and out. Planted inner spaces enclosed in glass offer private natural experiences, and the white brick exterior, clad in ceramic, organically blends with the green environment, allowing the climate to be sensed even indoors. Casa Mague, designed by MCxA in Malinalco, prioritizes existing vegetation. Built in 2020, its design respects the site's abundant trees, weaving a series of flexible, open, and closed spaces around the natural elements, sometimes allowing tree branches to penetrate the structure. This constant interplay between indoor and outdoor maximizes occupant interaction with the surrounding forest, using elements like latticed screen walls and glazed enclosures to blur boundaries. Material choices are also crucial in contemporary Mexican architecture for reinforcing indoor-outdoor continuity. Architects frequently select earthy materials in neutral tones, such as stone and cement tiles, to harmonize interiors with the exterior landscape. Casa Tejocote in Querétaro, designed by González Muchow Architects, uses high walls of pigmented rose-colored concrete to echo the region's colonial heritage and arid landscape. The design prioritizes privacy, with four modules arranged around a central garden and connected by bridges. Precise incisions in the stone walls frame views, creating strong links to the outside, while every space is partially open to a courtyard or garden, reflecting a modern evolution of del Moral's patio-centric prototypes. Fernanda Canales, a prominent female architect, reinterprets the patio as a hallmark of her practice. Her Recreo House (2017) in Valle de Bravo, built with local materials like gray stone, clay tiles, and timber, integrates a central patio as the heart of the home. This focal point connects access, service, and private areas to generous social spaces. The dining and living areas are extremely open, situated between the main courtyard and a large terrace with pool and views. L-shaped resting areas are near a more intimate patio, blending wild surroundings with privacy. Breezeways between bedrooms create covered, interstitial outdoor spaces. Casa Zicatela in Oaxaca, designed by Ludwig Godefroy in 2015, offers a radical paradigm. This compact weekend house, overlooking the Pacific, is almost entirely built from silvery concrete. Conceived as a 'country house by the sea,' its fortified exterior provides protection and privacy while echoing nearby mountains. Inside, open space abounds, resembling a mysterious concrete playground with no conventional indoor-outdoor boundaries. Rooms are arranged around a garden, with an open-air corridor and loggia-like areas, and a central structure housing living, dining, and kitchen areas seamlessly extending into the courtyard. Steps like a Mayan pyramid lead to a second level observatory, immersing occupants in the vibrant blue sky and surrounding landscape, where concrete walls and wood details contrast vividly. #MexicanArchitecture #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ContemporaryDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #HomeTours #DesignInspiration #SustainableDesign

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

Grupo Arca, a prominent supplier of premium building materials in Mexico, including wood flooring, masonry bricks, engineered stone, and exotic natural stone, has expanded its vision beyond traditional commercial showrooms. The company aims to be a hub for creative connections, promoting design, culture, and art through extraordinary experiences. This ambition is reflected in its online design journal, _Container_, and a new generation of design centers, which are conceived more as museums celebrating materiality than mere product displays. These centers are designed to be flexible venues for temporary exhibitions, film screenings, and musical performances. The first such innovative showroom recently opened in Guadalajara, designed by the collaborative and ambitious Esrawe Studio. Héctor Esrawe of Esrawe Studio emphasizes the importance of incorporating a cultural component into their projects, stating that the Guadalajara showroom adds social value and is integral to the Grupo Arca brand. The 70,000-square-foot facility, meticulously planned by Esrawe’s team under architecture coordinator Laura Vela, is divided into two distinct zones. One zone is a soaring, skylit warehouse for Grupo Arca’s vast inventory of stone slabs and other materials. The other, a three-level showroom wing, features product galleries, offices, and a bookstore-café. This public-facing section is structured around a wedge-shaped open-air _agora_ or courtyard, drawing inspiration from the very nature of the stone it showcases. The entry facade of the showroom, characterized by blocky planes of blackened concrete, appears excavated to reveal stratified layers of lighter Italian travertine. Upon entering through a subtle opening, visitors are led into the monumental _agora_. The courtyard’s floor and walls are entirely clad in the same travertine used on the facade, extending three stories high. Its strong horizontal veining evokes the strata of an archaeological excavation or a stone quarry, a deliberate metaphor by Esrawe to highlight the origin of materials. This design choice aims to connect users with the raw materials, rather than just the finished products. Similar to traditional Mexican houses, the _agora_ and two smaller light wells introduce natural daylight into the otherwise windowless structure. Recessed doorways and cantilevered walkways encircle the trapezoidal courtyard, enhancing the horizontal aesthetic. Laura Vela explains that the circulation through this 'petrified mass' is designed to create an experience of expanding and contracting spaces. Pockets of planted trees and shrubs are strategically placed, reminiscent of nature reclaiming abandoned quarries, drawing parallels to Edward Burtynsky’s photographs. A grand flight of travertine steps, accented with rustic teak, serves as a backdrop for performances and exhibitions, currently featuring abstract wooden sculptures by contemporary Mexican artist Jorge Yázpik. Inside the showroom, the Esrawe team presents material displays as art installations rather than mere samples. The interiors are neutral, with gallery lighting designed to emphasize the dramatic qualities of the materials. The design employs a pure, clean geometry of lines and planes, with steel frames adding depth. The lobby, with its black basalt flooring and blackened micro-cement walls and ceilings, reinforces the concept of the building being carved from a solid masonry mass. Even the reception desk is a rough-hewn chunk of Turkish marble. The lobby offers a view into the massive, skylit warehouse, establishing a clear yet easily accessible separation between the showroom and storage areas. On the top floor, the bookstore-café functions as a versatile space, opening onto a landscaped terrace. It serves as a relaxed area for browsing architecture books and magazines, as well as a reference library for designers collaborating with sales representatives. Framed architectural photographs enhance the gallery ambiance, aligning with Grupo Arca’s vision of the showroom as a cultural hub rather than solely a commercial space. Esrawe Studio designed much of the furniture, including bar stools, benches, and bookshelves made from honey-hued maple-plywood, harmonizing with the ceiling. Grupo Arca’s in-house craftsmen contributed bespoke pieces, such as the reception desk and a colossal French marble sink in the restroom. This innovative showroom has successfully fostered a new sense of community among Guadalajara’s design professionals and supports Grupo Arca’s international expansion plans, with additional outposts anticipated in Miami and Madrid. #EsraweStudio #GrupoArca #GuadalajaraShowroom #ExperientialDesign #ArchitecturalMaterials #InteriorDesign #CulturalHub #StoneShowroom #MexicanDesign