The picturesque setting of Santa María del Oro in Nayarit, Mexico, now plays host to a thoughtfully designed lakeside residence that blurs the boundaries between architecture and nature. Designed by the Mexico-based MCxA Group, Casa Santa María del Oro is a weekend retreat that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. The residential architecture project highlights the beauty of its environment but also emphasises sustainability and community engagement.

The residential design is deeply rooted in a philosophy of respect for the local ecosystem. At the heart of this project are five ancient Guanacaste trees, which are treated as essential elements rather than obstacles. The architects skilfully carved circular voids into the structure to accommodate these trees, allowing them to coexist with the home. This approach reflects a broader commitment to harmonising architecture with nature, creating a living space that honours both the environment and the cultural heritage of the area.

The site presented several challenges, including a steep slope and a fragile ecosystem surrounding a volcanic crater lake. These factors necessitated innovative design solutions to minimise environmental impact while maximising functionality. The Mexican architects employed decarbonisation principles to reduce carbon emissions associated with construction and operation. By minimising the use of concrete and opting for locally sourced stone, they ensured that the materials used had a low installation impact and high durability.

Elaborating on the challenges faced during the project, the studio said, “One of the biggest challenges we encountered was working with the uneven terrain. We overcame this by adapting the design to the topography, allowing the house to sit harmoniously within its environment. We carefully planned the building layout and the construction process to work around the existing trees, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural surroundings.”

Sustainable design is woven into every aspect of the Casa. The residence features a rainwater collection system that filters and separates black water from rainwater, channelling it through a biodigester before releasing it into an absorption well. This method not only conserves water but also prevents contamination of the nearby lake.

Additionally, low-energy consumption equipment and LED lighting are integrated throughout the home. A green roof camouflages the structure within its landscape while providing insulation against high temperatures, adopting a passive cooling approach. Plans for solar panels on an adjacent plot further enhance the home's sustainable approach. The innovative design strategies extend further, with large overhangs that shield the interior design from excessive sunlight and reduce the reliance on mechanical cooling. The strategic placement of trees around the home also provides natural shading and enhances the microclimate.

"We implemented several key strategies to minimise ecological impact. We prioritised the use of local materials to reduce transportation emissions and support the local community. Additionally, the design integrates cooling techniques, such as natural cross-ventilation, shading from vegetation and the building's orientation to take advantage of natural light,” the studio adds.

The layout of Casa Santa María del Oro is designed to foster connection with nature. It includes three bedrooms surrounding a central social space that opens onto expansive terraces featuring a circular pool. This arrangement encourages occupants to immerse themselves in their surroundings, experiencing the gentle sway of trees and stunning views of the lake.

Access to the home is facilitated by a 20-metre staircase design made from prefabricated cylindrical concrete steps, designed to blend into the landscape while managing rainwater runoff. The volume of the house is largely concealed beneath its green roof, allowing only terraces to be visible amidst native trees. The integration of gardens in the courtyard design also contributes to the biodiversity of the site.

Strategically thought-out inlets for natural light and ventilation provide illumination and airflow throughout the residence. The design takes advantage of the region's favourable climate, creating interior spaces that are bright and airy and subtly echo the cultural motifs found in local crafts. Brown and beige tones inspired by Nayarit's landscapes are used throughout, celebrating both modernity and Mexican heritage, making the home feel timeless and rooted in its setting.

The socio-economic context of Santa María del Oro has significantly influenced this architectural project. The architects engaged thoughtfully with local communities to ensure that their design approach aligned with local capabilities and cultural values. This collaborative process enriches both the architectural outcome and community perspectives on sustainability.

The decision to use recycled wood from the formwork speaks to Mexican architectural practice’s zero-waste approach. This wood is repurposed into custom furniture pieces, infusing a sense of history and narrative into the home.

"We hope that this project serves as a model for sustainable living in the region, demonstrating that it is possible to build in harmony with nature without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. For the local community, we aspire to promote the use of local craftsmanship and materials, as well as supporting environmental conservation initiatives,” the studio continues.

This residential project is an example of how architecture can reflect cultural narratives while promoting sustainable living. The use of local materials such as volcanic stone ties the structure to its geographical context and pays homage to traditional Mexican building practices. Each space within the Casa tells a story—of tradition, evolution and respect for nature.

As we move forward in an era increasingly defined by environmental challenges, Casa Santa María del Oro is a reminder of the importance of designing spaces that protect, inspire and elevate human experience while fostering a deep connection with nature.

Project Details

Name: Casa Santa María del Oro
Location: Santa Maria del Oro Nayarit, Mexico
Typology: Residential Architecture
Architect: MCxA Group
Design Team: Mauricio Ceballos y Francisco Vázquez (Design Lead)
Collaborators:
Interior Design: ⁠Paola Cueli / Rebeca Álvarez
Lighting Design: Luz y forma
Sustainability: three
Hydraulic Installation: Garza Maldonado
Construction: Taller A / Marco Severino
Structure: Tridim
Acoustic Design: Saad
Area: 350 sqm. (Built Up)
Year of Completion:2024