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Combine native plants with rockscapes to create gardens that don’t need excessive irrigation. Here, Techo-Bloc’s Industria 600 series slab in Greyed Nickel was imaginatively used to create contrast between the more organic stones and rocks, as well as functional walkways for seating and a fire pit.

A band of windows wraps around the kitchen to bring the outdoors into the kitchen, which is outfitted with Piacere equipment.

The third courtyard connects to the open-plan living and dining area, and also provides access to the roof.

A view of the covered walkway in the bedroom wing.

On a plateau three hours outside Mexico City, architect Fernanda Canales created a wild, nature-fueled vacation home for her family surrounding four courtyards. Celebrating the flat, rugged environs, she melded a facade of red, broken brick with warm concrete and wood interiors. To add extra height, she turned to terra-cotta tiled barrel vaults.

In accordance with the brief, the firm left the landscape largely in its natural state.

This compact vacation home by TACO—or, Taller de Arquitectura Contextual—is immersed in southeastern Mexico’s wild landscape. The home is designed for a pair of young adults, and the firm’s objective was to achieve a reflective and contemplative place that links the occupants with the surrounding environment. The result is an intuitive, functional, and simple living experience that offers great spatial warmth.

The back of the house opens to the pool and landscape, which can be appreciated from the bed on the mezzanine.

The warm wood furnishings stand out against the sculptural staircase, which references the form of the wall outside.

The compact kitchenette is kept to one wall and appears of a piece, thanks to a continuous counter that hosts the sink, cooktop, and fridge.

The new staircase to the bunk room also has a privacy screen made of a bookcase with storage.