Portico with roof made of light-toned wood beams slanting down from rammed-earth wall covers outdoor lounger with white round metal table with white metal chairs, stone masonry bench, taupe hammock, and light-toned wood coffee table between gravel walkway leading to entry and garden encircled by tall trees and bushes in Valle del Bravo, Mexico, home by Luis Carbonell.

Rammed Earth and Cactus Gel Make a Haven for a Family Outside Mexico City

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Designed by Luis, the house flows openly to the outdoors. Materials on the roof include concrete, flat clay tiles, curved terra-cotta tiles, steel, and glass. "This project is all about layering—juxtaposing techniques, materials, and textures," says Luis. The charred wood on the second-story facade is a twist on traditional yakisugi. "Instead of cedar, it’s made of reclaimed wood from pallets used to ship cars across the Atlantic," says the architect.