Generating a transition between building and nature, landscape is central to the design of the Santana House by Manuel Cervantes Estudio. Located in Valle De Bravo, Mexico, the house is carefully situated on site, with an existing pine retained within the entry courtyard. A space for meeting and congregation, the courtyard forms the heart of the house and connects to the bedrooms, living and utility areas. Open views out the landscape are afforded from every room.
The house features an exposed wooden structure which is based on a series of repeating frames and a single pitch roof. In addition to the use of timber, other key materials utilized include stone for flooring and select walls, with rough-textured plastering and bare brick for remaining walls.
In terms of layout, the house is centralized around a large living area – lounge, dining room and kitchen – that can be adapted to suit different social occasions. The living area opens to an outdoor terrace, with reflecting pool and jacuzzi, and is also linked to a guest/study room and three bedrooms via corridors.
Part of a concept of total integration, all furniture in the house was made in situ using stone finishes and the same wood as used for the structure itself.
