Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Toro House by Mexican architects Estudio Carroll, is a residence with bold shapes and spectacular vistas, located on the Oaxacan coast that showcases the impact that buildings have on their surroundings, as well as the importance of energy-efficient architecture.
The Toro House is located in La Barra, a region characterized by rugged terrain. This very terrain offered us an exceptional location, elevated enough to provide sea and mountain views practically from the street.
The architects designed the building’s geometry in a way to fit with the natural shape of the land.
Two circles with the same radius are projected to intersect in such a way that the center of one coincides with the development of the other. Inscribed within them are two squares that house most of the functional areas.
The resulting extrusion of these forms gives rise to two cylindrical volumes that connect, creating an enveloping structure of vibrant blue concrete that evokes the shades of the ocean.
This envelope is perforated by cylinders, creating openings oriented towards the four cardinal points.
The interior is open and allows the flow of naturally cooled air from the gentle sea breeze, eliminating the need for air conditioning.
Large sliding screens made from wood strips define the interior spaces and encourage a versatile architecture in which the interior blends with the exterior.
The dining room integrates with the pool and the living areas transform into terraces.
The layout of the house encourages interaction between the residents and nature by distributing spaces and allowing entire sections to open up.
The choice of materials is based on the importance of using local elements crafted by the community. The sea, sand, and vegetation were the main sources of inspiration when selecting the materials that make up this project.
The rustic concrete’s blue tones evoke the sea, while the arches resemble waves crashing on sand-colored chukum floors and walls. The macuil wood screens rise like a forest, providing shade from the sun.
Project: Toro House
Architects: Estudio Carroll
Lead Architect: Miguel Carroll
Civil Engineers: Manuel Altamirano
Photographers: Cesar Belio, Victor Morales, and Richard Stow
