ROCCA is a residential architectural development in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, conceived as an extension of the surrounding landscape. Located between La Punta and La Barra, approximately 600 meters from the sea, the project takes its name and conceptual direction from the natural processes that shape rock over time. Rather than treating the landscape as a backdrop, ROCCA seeks to emerge from it, establishing a continuous relationship between architecture, vegetation, light, air, and sky.
The project originated from the observation of rock as a living material—eroded, carved, and transformed by wind and water. This process became the conceptual foundation for the architecture, which translates the qualities of natural erosion into organic volumes, curved surfaces, cavities, and voids. The resulting spaces are intended to feel less constructed than sculpted, creating gradual transitions between enclosed interiors, terraces, gardens, and the surrounding landscape.
This approach is expressed through an organic architectural language characterized by continuous curves, soft transitions, and sculptural volumes that evoke the forms and processes of natural erosion. The forms are inspired by the processes through which rock is eroded, molded, and transformed over time, creating an architecture that evokes the sensation of having been carved rather than constructed.
The relationship with the surrounding vegetation is an essential part of the project. The jungle, sky, and materiality of the site are not treated simply as a backdrop, but as active components of the architecture. Vegetation is incorporated into terraces, circulation areas, and intermediate spaces, creating a sensory experience in which the boundaries between interior and exterior become less defined.
The material palette is inspired by the colors and textures of stone, sand, earth, and vegetation. The interiors incorporate wood, polished pigmented concrete, earth-like finishes, clay, cream-colored stucco, and stainless steel. Exterior surfaces use clay, earth-like finishes, selected details in pigmented concrete, and integrated vegetation. Together, these materials create a warm, natural, and timeless character that reinforces the project's connection to its location.
The design incorporates several strategies to respond to the site's climate and natural conditions. These include integration with the natural topography, natural cross ventilation, the use of daylight, continuity between interior and exterior spaces, and the incorporation of vegetation. Together, these strategies seek to create a project that is efficient, sensitive, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Environmental considerations extend to the management of water, energy, and materials. For water, the project incorporates devices and installations designed to reduce consumption. Wastewater first enters a primary treatment plant and subsequently passes through a series of wetlands for secondary treatment. Treated greywater then passes through a purification system before being reincorporated into the building's water system, while part of the treated water is infiltrated back into the aquifers. According to the project documentation, these measures can reduce water consumption by up to 50%.
For energy, ROCCA takes advantage of the site's high solar radiation to reduce the energy load supplied by the public grid and generate energy for its principal functions. The project therefore reduces its consumption of energy from conventional sources.
Material selection is also considered as part of the project's sustainability strategy. ROCCA incorporates concretes that recover what the project describes as “plásticos trágicos” that would otherwise end up in seas and jungles, as well as materials whose production processes reduce their environmental footprint.
The development is organized into six principal residential volumes: Cielo Uno, Cielo Dos, Cielo Tres, Selva Uno, Selva Dos, and Selva Tres. These are complemented by a Roof Garden with an asoleadero, estancia, fitness area, service area, botanical garden, meditation area, and views toward the sea.
The residential typologies respond to different ways of inhabiting while maintaining the relationship with the landscape as their principal axis. Spaces open toward the exterior, allowing light, air, and vegetation to become part of everyday life. Depending on the unit, the program includes kitchens, dining areas, living spaces, terraces, pools, barbecue areas, family rooms or bedrooms, primary bedrooms, bathrooms, service areas, and access spaces. Several residences incorporate lock-off configurations, allowing portions of the units to function as independent spaces.
The project's location provides proximity to the beach and to the social and gastronomic activity of Puerto Escondido while maintaining privacy and a strong connection to the natural setting. The site is approximately 600 meters from the beach and includes a proposed private path to the sea. It is approximately 10 minutes on foot from Punta Zicatela, 15 minutes from Zicatela, and 9 kilometers from the airport.
ROCCA brings together architecture, landscape, materiality, and environmental strategies through a single underlying principle: to create a built environment that responds to the character of its site rather than separating itself from it. The project translates the qualities of rock, vegetation, light, and topography into spaces designed around calm, contemplation, and a continuous relationship with the surrounding environment.
Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with project completion planned for November 2028.
