Morada Escondida (Hidden Dwelling) in Baja California Sur, Mexico by Taller de Terreno Arquitectura

Article source: Taller de Terreno Arquitectura

The subterranean villa Morada Escondida, integrates into the Baja desert, along a natural arroyo, facilitating a naturally-climatized domestic environment. Emerging respectfully along a desert ridge, a planted roof welcomes the reintroduction of native species, further integrating the dwelling into a virgin desert landscape. Concrete mass is shaped to optimize cross ventilation, and being partially subterranean, provides diurnal cooling throughout the day. The penetrations and orientation capture steady flows of ocean breeze for cross ventilation, maintaining comfort year-round with no HVAC required.

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

• Architects: Taller de Terreno Arquitectura
• Project: Morada Escondida (Hidden Dwelling)
• Location: Baja California Sur, Mexico
• Photography: Kenny Viese
• Completion Year: 2019

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Acute angles in the formed geometry facilitate full-height earth retainment. The house doesn’t use column grids or normative beams but rather integrates unique and variable geometry within the allowable spans. Chimneys, bridges, and a planted roof blend into the plasticity as a monolithic concrete desert sculpture clad in regional craft tiles, sustainable hardwoods, or rusticated relief patterning.

The private and living spaces flank a well-shaded formal living area, sharing 270° views from the Sierra de la Laguna mountains to the sea. Bedrooms, ceramics studio, and painting studio compliment the common gallery spaces, allowing enclaves of contemplation throughout the program. As the sunlight shifts and washes the geometric walls throughout the day, registering an ephemeral dance of light, the spaces are ideal for making things, experiencing nature, and living within a remote art gallery.

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Kenny Viese

Image Courtesy © Taller de Terreno Arquitectura

Image Courtesy © Taller de Terreno Arquitectura

Image Courtesy © Taller de Terreno Arquitectura

Tags: Baja California Sur, Mexico

Categories: House, Residential

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