manuel cervantes estudio uses local materials to build secluded residence in mexican forest

based on an exposed wooden structure, the pitch roof dwelling is completed with stone, rough-textured plastering and bare brick.

MCervantes edited by philip stevens October 21, 2020 2 min

situated in valle de bravo, mexico, the ‘santana’ house by manuel cervantes estudio is a secluded forest residence constructed with local natural materials. based on an exposed wooden structure, the pitch roof dwelling combines stone with rough-textured plastering and bare brick.

santana house has been carefully placed on its site and within the natural context from the outset the design sought to take full advantage of the propertys proportions and open spaces usi 1
all images by rafael gamo

the building has been carefully placed on the site to merge harmoniously with the surrounding forest. from the beginning, the team at manuel cervantes estudio sought to take full advantage of the property’s character and open spaces. using one of the existing trees as the heart of an entry courtyard, the architects generated a living environment where occupants are encouraged to engage closer with nature and with each other.

manuel cervantes estudio uses local materials to build secluded residence in mexican forest - 1

the program consists of a living area -lounge, dining room, and kitchen- that can be adapted to different social occasions. this same space leads onto an outdoor terrace. here, a swimming pool and a jacuzzi, with their reflective water surfaces, help connect the interior with nature. this connection is also reinforced by the large window frames that offer generous unobstructed views of the forest.

santana house has been carefully placed on its site and within the natural context from the outset the design sought to take full advantage of the propertys proportions and open spaces usi 4

the various rooms are linked through corridors which offer pleasantly contrasting effects through lighting, textures, chiaroscuros and landscapes. the interior is decorated with furniture that was all made in situ, using stone finishes and the same wood as the one used for the structure itself. with the landscape placed central to the project, and the integration of regional materials and plants, the ‘santana’ house forms a profound bond with its context.

santana house has been carefully placed on its site and within the natural context from the outset the design sought to take full advantage of the propertys proportions and open spaces usi 5

santana house has been carefully placed on its site and within the natural context from the outset the design sought to take full advantage of the propertys proportions and open spaces usi 6

santana house has been carefully placed on its site and within the natural context from the outset the design sought to take full advantage of the propertys proportions and open spaces usi 7

santana house has been carefully placed on its site and within the natural context from the outset the design sought to take full advantage of the propertys proportions and open spaces usi 9

santana house has been carefully placed on its site and within the natural context from the outset the design sought to take full advantage of the propertys proportions and open spaces usi 10

santana house has been carefully placed on its site and within the natural context from the outset the design sought to take full advantage of the propertys proportions and open spaces usi 11

santana house has been carefully placed on its site and within the natural context from the outset the design sought to take full advantage of the propertys proportions and open spaces usi 12

project info:

name: santana house
architects: manuel cervantes estudio
location: valle de bravo

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.