yinjispace

ARCHITECTURE
CRB arquitectos
PHOTOGRAPHY
Arturo Arrieta
EDITOR
Bingyi
Collection

“The architecture should not dominate nature, but rather become an extension of it.”This was one of the most striking statements from our conversation with CRB Arquitectos, and it could well be seen as the core design belief behind their Casa Solena project.Throughout the discussion, they repeatedly emphasized the words “context” and “connection”, viewing space not merely as structure, but as a medium for dialogue between humans and nature, light, and climate.

In the design of Casa Solena, this philosophy is translated into a series of nature-immersed spaces that unfold gradually along the Yucatán coastline.There are no rigid boundaries—only the free flow of wind, sunlight, and material.“When we stood for the first time within the framed view after the structure was completed and saw the ocean, that moment validated all of our design decisions,” they recalled.From the careful selection of materials to the integration of sustainable systems, and the precise handling of structural scale and microclimate,Casa Solena feels less like a building and more like a quiet, resolute proposition for living—a reflection on how to breathe within nature, how to let architecture step back, so that life may gently come forward.

Casa Solena arises from the idea of utilizing all the available land in a virtually untouched area in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, surrounded by nature and with direct access to the sea.In response to this, the project is designed in various volumes of 1 and 2 levels, allowing the segmentation of the required program, thereby preventing its scale from competing with the natural habitat.

To complement the integration into the context, materials and colors that harmoniously adapt to the surroundings are used, standing out for their textures and earthy tones.The structure of the volumes, composed of rigid masonry frames, governs the final volumetrics of the different spaces, offering sequence and rhythm. This, in turn, creates a play between interior and exterior spaces in each volume, maximizing views from the terraces and ensuring privacy in the private spaces.

The architectural program consists of 6 modules distributed along the property according to their function.The first volume is the service area, located at the entrance of the property and as far away as possible from the 7 bedrooms, distributed in 4 other modules, which are arranged along the land to offer views towards the vegetation of Puerto Escondido.

The public space adopts a broader scale and creates an atmosphere of relaxation and contemplation by offering a panoramic view of the sea. Life in this project unfolds in an environment that fosters tranquility and serenity, facilitating the user to disconnect from their worries.The central space of the project, is the public area, which promotes interaction in different spaces and allows users to engage in various activities while always being in contact with nature.

This volume, completely open, has a direct view of the beach and includes a closed kitchen, a sunken living room, a dining room, a sitting area, and a volume that includes bathrooms, a storage room, and a laundry room.Between this area and the beach extends the infinity pool with jacuzzi and fire pit along the entire property.

The structure consists of a foundation of continuous concrete footings and rigid frames of pigmented exposed concrete as the main structure, with wooden beams as secondary.Masonry walls are reinforced with concrete; walls are finished in chukum plaster, and tropical wood is used for window frames, doors, and beams."Havardia albicans" (Chukum) resin gives the walls a distinctive purplish-red tone.

Red Grandis (Eucalyptus grandis) laminated wood plays a crucial role in façades, ceilings, beams, and all window/door frames, offering warmth and durability in humid tropical climates.Private areas use large beige porcelain tiles for flooring, while public areas use tropical wood decks.The service area features only chukum finish to visually distinguish it.

Vegetation is essential to the design, with 65% of the site preserved as green area.Ground-level areas are surrounded by vegetation, while upper levels include perimeter planters. Species include palms, birds of paradise, cacti, and others suited to the tropical climate.Pathways between greenery organically connect all spaces, while terraces are integrated into the vegetation.Rainwater harvesting systems and photovoltaic panels allow the project to operate off-grid.

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