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Collection by Sarah Akkoush
Editor’s Pick

A Sustainable Mexican Retreat Made of Raw, Readily Available Materials

This modern abode in Mérida, Mexico, makes a bold statement with simple materials.

On a relatively narrow and deep lot in Mexico, Taller Estilo Arquitectura was challenged with creating a home for a young couple seeking a dynamic, contemporary dwelling. The firm thoughtfully designed the space to bring in sun and light, while simultaneously relying on passive cooling techniques to moderate temperature and enable air circulation. Central to the design vision was the use of raw, readily available materials. The dramatic rear elevation features enormous two-story swing doors and a pool, both impactful design elements of this retreat-like residence.

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The open-concept main living area, which connects to the dining room and kitchen, is the residents’ favorite part of the home. Soaring ceilings, black aluminum-clad windows, and Carrara marble floors make this central gathering place feel vast. Warm, natural textures are brought in through the Eames molded plywood chairs, brown Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs, and natural wooden slab table on steel legs.
The open-concept main living area, which connects to the dining room and kitchen, is the residents’ favorite part of the home. Soaring ceilings, black aluminum-clad windows, and Carrara marble floors make this central gathering place feel vast. Warm, natural textures are brought in through the Eames molded plywood chairs, brown Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs, and natural wooden slab table on steel legs.
The home’s kitchen features stainless steel counters and appliances, and a Carrara backsplash that offers visual cohesion with the main level's floors. Warm Pink Trumpet wood cabinets include mirrored fronts that reflect light and make the open space feel even larger. The dining area includes a custom reclaimed wood table, HAY About a Stool 32 seats, and glossy Komplot Design Calabash pendant lamps.
The home’s kitchen features stainless steel counters and appliances, and a Carrara backsplash that offers visual cohesion with the main level's floors. Warm Pink Trumpet wood cabinets include mirrored fronts that reflect light and make the open space feel even larger. The dining area includes a custom reclaimed wood table, HAY About a Stool 32 seats, and glossy Komplot Design Calabash pendant lamps.
The back of the home glows at night as the giant, two-story glass doors swing open to remove the barrier between inside and out. A polished concrete patio deck and pool, along with a simple block perimeter wall, make smart use of available materials. The pool acts as a passive conditioning tool, cooling air before it enters the house. The block wall is positioned 31 inches from the house, creating a gap or "air chimney" that allows air to circulate up and away from the home, while simultaneously letting light filter down.
The back of the home glows at night as the giant, two-story glass doors swing open to remove the barrier between inside and out. A polished concrete patio deck and pool, along with a simple block perimeter wall, make smart use of available materials. The pool acts as a passive conditioning tool, cooling air before it enters the house. The block wall is positioned 31 inches from the house, creating a gap or "air chimney" that allows air to circulate up and away from the home, while simultaneously letting light filter down.
The emphasis on natural materials continues in the home’s bedrooms. Laminated bamboo flooring and polished concrete walls and ceiling are favored here. A focal point of the room is the the glass-enclosed interior garden, a private extension of the bedroom bordered by a simple cinder block wall.
The emphasis on natural materials continues in the home’s bedrooms. Laminated bamboo flooring and polished concrete walls and ceiling are favored here. A focal point of the room is the the glass-enclosed interior garden, a private extension of the bedroom bordered by a simple cinder block wall.
Opposite the inner courtyard and master bedroom, the bathroom enjoys a view of the lush garden space. Polished concrete floors and walls, and white Carrara counters offer cohesion with the rest of the home. American Standard plumbing fixtures and reclaimed midcentury pendant lamps round out the space.
Opposite the inner courtyard and master bedroom, the bathroom enjoys a view of the lush garden space. Polished concrete floors and walls, and white Carrara counters offer cohesion with the rest of the home. American Standard plumbing fixtures and reclaimed midcentury pendant lamps round out the space.