A Dramatic Hallway Forms the Spine of This Shou Sugi Ban Retreat in Mexico

A simple floor plan emphasizes the rugged materiality of this elongated, cabin-style home in Valle de Bravo.

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When the homeowners approached Augusto Fernández Mas (K+A Diseño) and Mauricio Miranda (MM Desarrollos) to design a retreat in the Rancho Avandaro Country Club in Valle de Bravo, an hour-and-a-half outside of Mexico City, they nearly gave carte blanche. The clients just had three requests for their country house: a simple layout, low maintenance needs, and communal areas to be located on one floor.

The resulting design places an emphasis on flow. The rooms and living areas are arranged in a successive order, guided by a dimly lit, dramatic hallway. Large windows that punctuate the minimal interior offer views of the bordering golf course. The materials, Japanese-style burnt wood, Canadian dark wood, and concrete, accentuate simplicity while simultaneously adding depth.