weber arquitectos builds social cabins with volcanic stone in mexican forest

weber arquitectos has introduced the ‘rancho san simón’ cabin complex, located within a forest about 20 minutes from the lake in valle de bravo, in the state of mexico. the project consists of five volumes, distributed among the gaps formed by the trees of the site, as an attempt to minimize the impact caused on the natural surroundings. 

all images by sergio lópez

the design by weber arquitectos features four guest cabins and a main one which serves as a living space for the the client. the project takes advantage of all orientations, optimizing the access of natural light while also providing incredible views of the forest. each cabin has its own terrace, and all bathrooms have an interior patio with vegetation. the bathrooms are volumetrically differentiated from the other rooms, with a lower height and wood lattice frames that filter the light and offer privacy.

the predominant materials is the volcanic stone that covers the walls, in contrast to the stave and local pine beams that form the structure and finish off the lids. the furniture and all the decorative elements were chosen and designed after taking into account the wooded environment. the studio aimed to give a very natural appearance through the white oak wood that was chosen in order to accompany the other finishes. the color palette is very sober and dynamic: gray was used on all facades and interior walls, as well as bathroom fixtures and black luminaires.

project info:

name: rancho san simón
architecture office: weber arquitectos
location: valle de bravo, state of mexico
lead architect: fernando weber
interior design: anina schulte-trux
architectural management: enrique hernández gonzález
interior design director: paola pérez hadad
construction management: gerardo vázquez
collaboration: estefanía romano, fernanda martínez, ana paula ceballos
site area: 5,000 m2
built area: 900 m2