planted roof connects concrete casa cieno by TAC to oaxacan coast

Casa Cieno’s diagonal volume wraps a pool in green courtyards

Located in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Casa Cieno by TAC Taller Alberto Calleja is organized around enclosed courtyards, framed views, and a central pool. Instead of facing directly toward the sea, the house turns inward, using vegetation and controlled openings to establish a relationship with its surroundings.

The house occupies a 1,500 sqm plot in the El Vigía sector. Its main volume is rotated diagonally in relation to the property boundaries, creating green patios along its perimeter that act as a vegetated buffer between the residence and neighboring properties. The resulting rectangular volume is organized around a central courtyard, with the pool serving as the main spatial and visual anchor.

Concrete, wood, and water connect Casa Cieno to the landscape

The design team at TAC Taller Alberto Calleja organizes the program around the central water element, separating the social and private areas. Paths that cross the pool lead to the two bedrooms, while the courtyard connects the different spaces and creates a transition between them. A circular opening in the roof slab frames the sky above the pool, bringing natural light into the interior and making the passage of time visible throughout the day.

The material palette combines exposed concrete and wood, selected in response to the climatic conditions of the Oaxacan coast and intended to age with the site. Above, a green roof extends the living space while restoring part of the vegetation occupied by the building. The rooftop also opens views toward the sea and the Oaxacan mountains, while contributing to the house’s natural climate control.

project info:

name: Casa Cieno

architect: TAC Taller Alberto Calleja | @taller_alberto_calleja

location: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico

photographer: César Belio | @cesarbelio

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