The Cave – The Modern Home In The Mexican Desert

by Paul Ciocoiu · October 30, 2015

Two steps away from the US border, with the Sierra del Carmen Mountain range in the background, lies a modern house which perfectly integrates into the Mexican arid landscape. The house set in stone, seen from the distance, seems just another expression of a relief which is starting to make room for hilly formations characteristic to pre-mountainous areas. The house, suggestively called The Cave, was built in a protected eco-zone and, for this very reason, the architectural criteria were rigorous, according to Decoist.com.

The architects with the design company Greenfield had to cope with the challenge of preserving the natural environment while building a cozy, functional home which shall harmonize with the landscape. Finally, the creative Cave was crafted using materials such as river rocks, pine wood, rammed earth and concrete, appearing as a natural extension of the arid environment. More precisely, 90 per cent of the building materials came from the ranches and sandbags around it.

Modern home in the Mexican desert – stone, wood and concrete

Old metal sheets and hardwood was sourced from an abandoned railway track nearby while earth and stone from the site were used cleverly to create a perfectly insulated, yet airy living space. Use of skylights and natural openings usher in plenty of light even as the simple, earthen color scheme creates an inviting ambiance. The earthy palette of colors inside radiate warmth and hospitality, despite a first impression of an interior as arid as the landscape outside. The wood comes to break up the coolness of the stone and concrete walls.

The L-shaped dwelling houses a large living area at its heart with dining and meeting room on one side and dorm room and kitchen on the other. The bathroom is spectacular, despite its rigid looking layout and decorations. Above, a panoramic terrace allows views all around the house, an unmatched place to spend time on those cool summer evenings and nights, featuring a beautiful fire pit in the middle. The house also feature an outdoor lounge and a wine cellar, a genuine source of energy in this arid environment.