taller hector barroso layers vacation estate with pine trees in valle de bravo, mexico

architecture practice taller hector barroso has completed ‘entre pinos’ or ‘between the pine trees‘, a vacation estate located in the forest area of valle de bravo, mexico. the project unfolds as an arrangement of five weekend houses dispersed along the vast site which adapt to the topography of the land. integrated within the trees, the homes create a seamless integration between nature and the built environment.

all images by rory gardiner 

each house is designed by taller hector barroso using the same formula: a combination of six volumes complemented by a void, or central patio. the patio integrates the natural landscape within the space while granting views, silence and intimacy for the residents of the home. the volumes remain solid and closed to the north, yet open on the south side to the surrounding garden and forest. the sculpted volumes are positioned to maximize natural light and panoramic views.

the estate consists of five identical vacation homes

common social areas such as the living and dining rooms are placed on the lower floor, where they extend into the exterior through joined terraces and patios. on the upper levels, bedrooms frame views of the surrounding pines. the architects employed local materials from the region such as brick, wood and soil re-used from the site’s excavation. through the careful integration of the site within the materials, the architecture of ‘entre pinos’ emerges directly from the immediate context.

each home follows the same formula 

each house consists of six volumes complemented by a void, or patio 

the sculpted volumes integrate landscape and interiors 

natural light is maximized by the south facing openings 

local materials from the site were employed throughout the design 

the central patio acts as a serene garden for the vacation home

common areas extend into exterior terraces 

the upper-level bedrooms frame panoramic views of the surrounding forest 

the magnificent pine trees from the site complement the design strategy 

the design adapts to the topography of the site 

the volumes remain solid and closed to the north, yet open on the south side to the surrounding garden and forest

1/7

project info:

years: 2015-2017
status: built
location: valle de bravo, state of mexico
program: 5 private houses
construction area: 1800 square meters
architect: hector barroso riba
project leader: diego renteria
collaborators: vianney watine, diego renteria
landscape: entorno taller de paisaje
photography: rory gardiner