Casa Santa Maria del Oro: Balancing Sustainable Architecture and Nature in the Heart of Mexico

Site and Home Design

This project is known as Casa Santa Maria del Oro, located on the shores of a picturesque lake in the state of Nayarit, Mexico. The house stands out as an architectural masterpiece blending nature with modern engineering, designed by the Mexican studio MCxA Group, carefully considering its integration with the steep slope gradually descending toward the water.

Use of Light and Interior Spaces

The house features circular openings that function as natural light wells, enhancing interior illumination and creating a lively atmosphere within the spaces. It also includes an interior courtyard and designated areas for trees, allowing continuous visual connection with the surrounding nature.

Integration with the Natural Environment

One of the most prominent design features is partially embedding the house into the ground, which reduces the building’s visual impact on the surrounding landscape. Moreover, the building is topped with a green roof that contributes to better thermal insulation, provides environmental sustainability, and strengthens the connection between the architectural elements and nature.

Integration with Nature

Architects at MCxA Group note that the house’s volume is entirely hidden within the slope, so only the balconies are visible, harmonizing with the local trees and opening up to the lake. The building is surrounded by five ancient trees that were preserved without any disturbance during construction, reflecting the designers’ commitment to protecting the surrounding nature.

Respect for Trees and the Environment

To avoid damaging these trees, curves and openings were incorporated into the floors and ceilings, allowing the house to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings without negatively impacting the existing trees. Mauricio Ceballos and Francisco Vásquez, leaders of the design team, highlighted that the circular forms carved out of the building’s volume were created in tribute to the trees’ presence, enabling these natural giants to intertwine smoothly with the architectural structure.

Sustainable and Community-Oriented Design

This unique design approach reflects respect for the natural environment and the local community. The construction was carried out in a way that harmonizes with nature without causing any harm, serving as a living example of how architectural innovation can coexist with the preservation of environmental and historical elements on site.

Space and Interior Layout

The house extends over 350 square meters and consists of three levels, including three bedrooms. All rooms are concealed from view thanks to the green roof, which not only ensures privacy but also serves as a unique design element that enhances the building’s integration with the surrounding natural slope.

Staircase and Architectural Style

The green roof can be accessed from the upper floor via a walkway lined with cylindrical columns, forming a 20-meter-long staircase. According to the architects, this staircase was meticulously designed to harmonize with the natural site, allowing rainwater to be directed through the gaps in the elements, while simultaneously serving as a sculptural statement with precast cylindrical concrete steps.

Views and Curved Glass

These concrete elements also incorporate curved glass sections that provide spectacular views of the surrounding trees, enhancing the visual connection between the interior and nature, and creating a unique living experience that combines modern architectural design with the natural environment.

Middle Floor and Space Distribution

Most of the living spaces are concentrated on the middle floor, which houses the bedrooms and bathrooms on either side of the open-plan lounge and dining area. This layout provides a sense of flow and comfort while maintaining privacy for each room.

Materials and Finishes

The house features concrete flooring along with earth-toned decor, creating a warm atmosphere that harmonizes with the surrounding nature. Design elements include volcanic stone and recycled wood, which are further accentuated by dark steel columns and window frames, adding visual contrast that enhances the modern architectural character of the home.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Casa Santa Maria del Oro reflects a high level of innovation in integrating architecture with the natural environment. The design demonstrates a clear respect for nature and a distinguished use of light and eco-friendly materials.

On the other hand, some may feel that the emphasis on integration with the slope and the green roof limits the flexibility of the interior spaces. Additionally, the design of the long, open staircase may pose practical challenges for certain users.

Overall, the project presents a remarkable model in terms of aesthetics and sustainability, while also raising questions about the practicality of some of its elements in everyday life.

Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team

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