Blending Nature and Architecture: Espacio Kaab

Matia Di Frenna Muller's Award-Winning Design Marries Japanese and Mexican Styles

The inspiration behind Espacio Kaab was a fusion of Japanese style and local Mexican architecture. The design was created for a young couple whose primary requirement was a home that interacted harmoniously with its surroundings. The materials chosen for the project, including stone and earth, were visually and conceptually integrated with the natural context. The challenging topography of the land provided an opportunity to create a project with a strong and unique character, offering interesting spaces, beautiful views, and environments that blend with nature.

The selection of materials was guided by several criteria. The project needed to visually integrate with the area, so materials with a natural tendency, such as wood, stone, and earth, were prioritized. To minimize maintenance and future restorations, durable materials like stone, concrete, and "Chukum" stucco were selected for outdoor spaces, while more delicate materials such as wood and wicker were placed in protected areas.

The main concept of the build was to create spaces where the boundaries between inside and outside blur. The ranges and colors of the environment integrate into the shades of the building, allowing the inhabitants to walk barefoot across the natural stone floor without distinguishing whether they’ve stepped out or into the house. This design approach awakens a phenomenology that engages all the senses.

The project, located in Nogueras, Colima, México, started in January 2020 and was completed in December 2021. The design team, led by Architect Mariana de la Mora Padilla and Civil engineer Juan Gerardo Guardado Ávila, worked closely with the clients throughout the design process. Multiple visits were made to the site and its surroundings to analyze the cultural and natural context. The team also conducted a meticulous topographic survey to inform the design process.

Despite the challenges posed by the site's complicated topography and its proximity to historical buildings, the team managed to design a harmonious and functional project. Espacio Kaab is a testament to the team's ability to take advantage of the site and develop a project with interesting spaces, beautiful views, and environments that blend with nature. This design was awarded Silver in A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2022, a testament to its remarkable design and innovation.

All copyrights for Espacio Kaab belong to Di Frenna Arquitectos, 2022. The images used in this article were taken by photographer Lorena Darquea in 2021.