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Casa El Pinar Is a Weekend Getaway in Mexico That Champions Sustainability

09.20.21 | By
Casa El Pinar Is a Weekend Getaway in Mexico That Champions Sustainability

Taller Paralelo recently completed a modern home in Valle de Bravo, a short distance away from Mexico City. Casa El Pinar stands amongst the trees in harmony with the surrounding landscape. The design required a staggered layout in order to work with the sloped terrain and to save as many trees as possible. Rising from the rugged topography, the elongated house utilizes basic materials, including concrete, steel, local stone and pine wood, while leaving finishes exposed, both inside and out.

modern home behind lots of trees

modern home amongst trees and greenery

The main volume features a concrete basement clad in stone that contains the service areas, while the floor above has a concrete exterior.

concrete and stone modern house with stairs to entrance

A stone staircase, almost hiding in plain site against the basement wall, leads to the main door. This side of the house remains closed off for weather protection, while the opposite side includes floor-to-ceiling windows.

exterior staircase up to entrance of modern home

exterior staircase up to entrance of modern home

interior courtyard of of modern house with tree in center

A sweetgum tree lives within a glass-enclosed central courtyard that physically separates the main public areas.

modern house interior with slanted wood ceilings and windows

Concrete floors juxtapose structural laminated pine beams and plywood covered ceilings adding texture and warmth. Smaller details are kept to neutral colors, including black joints and window frames and black and gray furnishings throughout.

modern house interior with slanted wood ceilings and windows

modern home interior with wood ceilings and walls and neutral furniture

Clerestory windows keep hallways and rooms filled with natural light. The long hallway connects the living room with the home’s private spaces, which includes three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and an owner’s suite.

long view of exterior of modern house

modern dining area in wood-clad interior

modern dining area in wood-clad interior

covered patio between house structures with pool

covered patio between house structures with pool

covered patio between house structures with pool

outside nighttime view of pool under covered deck

modern bedroom with concrete walls and bedding

exterior view of modern concrete home

exterior view of modern concrete home

nighttime view of modern house with lights on

nighttime view of modern house with lights on

Photos by Rafael Gamo.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.