Monte House is a compact vacation home designed to accommodate several young people, nestled within the wild landscape of southeastern Mexico.
The design aims to create a reflective and contemplative space that connects its residents with the surrounding natural environment. The experience is intended to be intuitive, practical, and simple, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The building is strategically positioned at the rear of the plot to ensure privacy and reduce noise. Its orientation takes advantage of sunlight and prevailing winds to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Due to the rocky terrain and challenges with excavation, the house is elevated on a platform above ground level. This design helps keep unwanted animals out and also facilitates the construction of a swimming pool.
The house is shaded by a large tree that existed on the site before construction. Residents can engage with this natural element through an open balcony that extends from the interior social area.
The social space spans two stories and includes a compact kitchen, a living room, and a staircase leading to a mezzanine, which serves as a bedroom.
The house also features a storage room, a bathroom with an outdoor shower, and an external staircase leading to the entrance located beneath the mezzanine. Additionally, a warehouse and a computer room are built on the storage platform.
The total indoor area covers 42 square meters, featuring right-angled geometry and a striking contrast of materials.
Both interior and exterior finishes utilize rough plaster with handmade coatings based on lime and mineral pigments.
In terms of carpentry, folding doors made from local cedar louvers allow residents to control the interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The interior design features a palette of original color tones, incorporating artisanal craftsmanship throughout.
The surrounding landscape remains largely untouched, preserving the multi-stone soil that integrates seamlessly with the building.
Technical Drawings
△ Overall Site Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Second Floor Plan
△ Section Diagram
Southeast elevation (left) and Southwest elevation (right)
Project Information
Architect: TACO Taller de Arquitectura Contextual
Area: 42 m²
Project Year: 2019
Photographer: Leo Espinosa
Suppliers: CASTEL, Comex, Tecnolite, Trivasa, URREA
Architectural Design: TACO Taller de Arquitectura Contextual
Interior Design: TACO Taller de Arquitectura Contextual
Landscape Design: TACO Taller de Arquitectura Contextual
Construction: TACO Contextual Architecture Workshop
Contractors: Carlos Patrón Ibarra, Alejandro Patrón Sansor, Ana Patrón Ibarra, Estefanía Rivero Janssen, Joaquín Muñoz Olivera
Country: Mexico
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