Like in vernacular architecture, the building responds directly to the site where it’s emplaced, with basic and even primitive volumes that rise with materials from the region, gaining color and texture right from the landscape. The feeling while visiting the project resembles to that of a cave, partially buried into the ground, providing a shelter from the exterior and allowing the user enjoy it from the warming interior.
The orientation of the building provides natural light from the north and directs its main views, through exterior terraces towards the highest peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental. In the interior, the program includes a large dining room/boardroom, a living room, a breakfast area, bathroom, a wine cellar, a small kitchen and a partially covered space for grills.
To fully know this project, it is precise to understand the history of its materials and processes of development. Because of the nature and isolation of the place, it was important to use and reuse the resources of the area, achieving that 90% in weight of all materials was collected from ranches and sandbanks located within a radio smaller than 10 km.
The metallic corrugated sheets and hardwood from abandoned rail tracks were found in the area. The walls are made of local materials: earth and stone are worked in vertical planes, after being extracted from their horizontal position. The constructive system combines river rocks, pine wood, rammed earth and concrete, which are elements rich in textures that mimic the multicolor landscape that can be perceived during sunset.
Considering that the design firm is based in Monterrey, the entire construction process had to be envisioned with an efficient logic in order to be able to keep a successful remote supervision. This can be seen throughout the honest language, apparent and simplistic architecture elements.
The Cave in Pilares, Coahuila, Mexico
Program: visitor centre
Architecture: Greenfield (Kenji López Rivera)
Collaborators: Melisa Avila, Esmeralda Salinas, Antonio Flores, Juan Tellez, Julia Briones, Dolores Maximino, Manuel Cruz
Area: 260 sqm
Completion: 2014