A Modern Mexican Home Rises With Vertical Timber Cladding

In Tijuana, Mexico, an architect designs an elegant new residence for his family of four.

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When Mexican architect Jorge Gracia began designing a home for his own family, he found it helpful to reframe the project as a commission from an outside client. "The best decision I made was to not think that it was my house," he says. "I’m very happy I did that."

With the pressures of perfectionism set aside, Gracia pulled inspiration from midcentury-modern design to create Casa Ga2, a contemporary home for his family of four.

Sliding pocket doors by NuVista create a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.

To make up for the lack of views, the architect has cleverly wrapped the 5,200-square-foot residence around an inner courtyard to create an indoor-outdoor living experience without sacrificing privacy.

The courtyard is open to the sky and mainly finished in concrete.

"Being raised in the region of Tijuana-San Diego, I’ve always been influenced by midcentury modernism," says Gracia, who fitted the two-story home with iconic pieces, such as a Noguchi table and Eames chairs.

Protected from prying eyes by a planted slope, the back of the property soaks up the sun with a hammock hung from the ceiling.

"I feel that the nice weather we have in all of these regions makes us design buildings that respond to the indoor-outdoor living experience."

Tom Dixon's mesmerizing Melt Pendant Lamp hangs from a raised ceiling over the dining table. The dining room credenza is Jorge's original design.

NuVista sliding pocket doors and full-height glazing blur the line between the interiors and landscaped courtyard. Large openings and sky views lend the home its breezy character.

A continuous connection with the outdoors is maintained through full-height glazing.

"The use of concrete walls and wood ceilings on the first floor gives the house a strong and powerful statement and keeps the balance with hard and soft materials all in one space," explains Gracia.