Entry

Weathered steel retaining walls hold in the slope.

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

Yumi (left) and Maya (right) cheese around on the steps leading into the front door. Inside, there is ample space for removing and leaving one's shoes, another Japanese element.

Bluestone slabs lead across a pair of reflecting ponds to the sapele mahogany front door.

Built-in cabinetry at the entryway ensures a place for everything is baked right into the design from the start. "We try to encourage our clients on all projects to not make the house bigger than it needs to be," says Loader. "Make it the right size, and design a space for everything."

Shoe cubbies are built into the custom millwork shelving in the entryway.