Taller Alberto Calleja Designs Concrete Casa Nova on Mexican Coast
A tree-filled central fissure defines this coastal holiday home in Mazunte, Oaxaca.
1Architectural Concept and Site
Taller Alberto Calleja designed Casa Nova as a holiday residence on a narrow, tree-filled site in Mazunte, Oaxaca. The project features two trapezoidal concrete volumes separated by a central fissure. This design strategy prioritizes the site's natural vegetation, creating a void that serves as the primary organizational element for the entire home.
2Central Fissure and Water
The central fissure acts as a transitional space, housing a reflecting pool that connects the two main volumes. Elevated timber walkways bridge this gap, allowing residents to move between the living areas and bedrooms. This void functions as the protagonist of the project, framing specific views toward the sea from the interior.
3Programmatic Volume Distribution
The residence is divided into distinct functional zones across its two primary structures. Social areas, including the living, dining, and kitchen spaces, occupy the eastern volume. Meanwhile, the western volume contains the private bedroom block. This fragmentation allows for a clear separation between communal activity and personal rest within the coastal home.
4Materiality and Natural Integration
The studio utilized exposed concrete and natural wood as the primary construction materials for Casa Nova. These choices were selected for their durability and ability to integrate into the surrounding forest environment. The contrast between the solid concrete surfaces and the timber elements creates a dynamic architectural experience that shifts during movement.
5Dynamic Timber Screen System
The angled elevations facing the central forest feature sliding and folding timber screens. These screens incorporate alternating solid sections and angled louvres, enabling light and air to penetrate the interior even when fully closed. This system allows the home to open up entirely to the terraces, steps, and surrounding walkways.
6Roof Terraces and Views
Prow-like terraces extend from the roofs of both trapezoidal volumes, oriented southward to capture expansive sea views. These elevated platforms overlook a central swimming pool designed to align visually with the horizon. The design ensures that the architecture remains responsive to the coastal landscape while providing multiple vantage points for the residents.
7Independent Cubic Annexes
At the rear of the site, two additional cubic volumes provide supplementary accommodation. Each annex includes its own bedrooms, social spaces, green courtyards, and private pools. This configuration offers the flexibility for these units to be occupied independently from the main residence, enhancing the property's utility for guests or extended family stays.
8Context of Mexican Architecture
This project follows other recent works by Taller Alberto Calleja, such as the angular Casa Mavra in Valle de Bravo. The trend of integrating concrete structures into lush Mexican landscapes is also evident in projects like Studio Font’s Casa Diez Pies. These designs emphasize a dialogue between modern, textured materials and nature.