tree trunks populate 'the terrace' in rural mexico designed by fabian m escalante h

in a rural area outside san miguel de allende in mexico, fabian m escalante h arquitectos has completed ‘the terrace’. as a refuge from the busy city, this low-lying, stripped-back building is designed as a place to rest and socialize. built among the existing trees and extending out towards the adjacent water, the architecture seamlessly blends into the site and becomes just another part of the landscape. 

all images by jorge succar

the recreational building spans one level and is accessed by two entrances. from the east, a footbridge welcomes guests with a curtain wall of ceramic lattice that provides privacy to the interior space. from the west, a large terrace serves as an entrance hall and is an extension of the interior space that houses the dining room, grill and food preparation area.

the building is defined by it’s open character, which helps create a continuous relationship between the interior and exterior and generates a 360º view from the curtain of trees to the north to the southern view of the dam. the horizontality of the architecture and this sense of permeability is only interrupted by a gabled volume in the center of the building. in this volume are the family room, dining room and bar, which has a double height. these spaces are connected to the outside and extend to the main terrace overlooking the water. 

the structure employs a combined system of timber and steel. regionally-available materials, such as wood, clay and basalt, have also been integrated into the construction. the façade has a folding PVC double-glass door system to bring in natural light and ventilation, it’s also used as a thermal insulator. the main gabled volume is lined in steel sheets with an oxidized finish, low maintenance and with thermal insulation on both sides. the lattice is designed with pieces of ceramic, placed at 47 °, the same inclination as the gabled roof.

the project highlights a volumetry and simple organization; as well as the combination of both contemporary and traditional construction systems, which go hand in hand with the use of materials to achieve a distinctive aesthetic. the end result also takes care of and respects the environment by implementing passive cooling systems. natural resources are reused, the design captures rainwater and wastewater to irrigate the garden areas.

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project info:

project name: the terrace / rancho sierra allende

location: san miguel de allende, guanajuato, mexico

architect: fabian m escalante h | arquitectos

lead architect: fabian marcelo escalante hernández

team: arq. francisco vázquez, arq. gerardo medina, arq. sandra zamora, arq. alitzel pinto

structural design: ing. julio valencia

interior design: ldi. lorena gonzález del castillo

floor area: 4183.39 ft2 (388.65 m2)

completion date: march 2020

photography: jorge succar