Casa Caimán
Casa Caimán It is one of the 3 houses and 15 villas that make up the complex located on the coast of Oaxaca, México. Between the sea and the lagoon, various architectural pieces extends through the landscape, including houses, villas, a beach club, and a restaurant. Each structure establishes a dialogue with the landscape through sculptural geometries, using a vocabulary of pigmented concrete walls, platforms, palapa roofs, and tzalám lattice screens. The project is inspired by the vernacular architectures of this coastal region.
Each house is composed of a central axis flanked by two concrete walls, which serves as a mediating space between two wings: one of a public nature and the other of a private nature. The rooms connect with the exterior through tzalám wooden lattice screens, allowing adjustment of the desired level of privacy without compromising airflow.
The houses are placed on platforms at different levels that highlight the horizontal character of the landscape. The materials used are limited, simple, and age gracefully: pigmented concrete, tzalám wood, palms that form the roofs of the palapas, and travertine marble.
The relationship between the constructions and the environment is manifested not only in the architectural design but also in the choice of materials. Pigmented concrete is not only durable but also reflects light in a unique way, creating changing visual effects depending on the time of day and the position of the sun. This interaction between light and shadow enhances the natural beauty of the place, turning each space into a sensory experience.
In addition to aesthetic aspects, Casa Caimán has been designed considering sustainability and energy efficiency. Passive techniques used in construction harness cross ventilation to maintain a cool environment indoors, reducing the need for air conditioning systems. Likewise, palapas and wooden lattice screens act as natural filters, allowing the entry of light and fresh air while protecting against excessive heat and direct solar radiation.
