Project: Tate House
Architects: MATERIA
Location: Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Year: 2024
Photography: Jaime Navarro
A Sanctuary of Connection to Nature
Nestled on the oceanfront of Oaxaca, Tate House by MATERIA is a masterful fusion of architecture and environment. Composed of separate pavilions woven through lush gardens, the residence reimagines traditional living, offering a tranquil retreat deeply rooted in its surroundings. By embracing native plants, local materials, and Oaxaca’s artisanal techniques, the house creates a harmonious dialogue with the landscape while celebrating regional heritage.
Designing with Nature in Mind
The house is conceived as an extension of its environment, prioritizing outdoor experiences:
- Three Unique Gardens:
- Oceanfront Dune: A natural extension of the property, offering unobstructed views of the Pacific.
- Jungle Privacy Screen: Tropical plants shield the home from neighboring properties while enhancing biodiversity.
- Botanical Desert Garden: Featuring endemic species like agaves, cacti, and iconic Oaxacan trees such as pochote, copal, and guayacán, the garden celebrates the local ecosystem.
These interconnected landscapes offer sensory diversity, transforming throughout the seasons with blooming flowers and shifting textures.
Pavilion Architecture: A Celebration of Craftsmanship
The architectural form of Tate House takes inspiration from Oaxaca’s tectonic and artisanal heritage:
- Material Palette: A blend of concrete, stone, and wood connects the home to its natural and cultural context.
- Traditional Palapa Roofs: Wooden frames and palm thatching create shaded, airy spaces that balance form and function.
- Masonry Solids: Grounded concrete slabs and stone walls establish a horizontal axis, anchoring the structure to the earth.
The interplay of solid walls, lattices, and open spaces fosters a rhythm of light and shadow, adding depth and movement to the design.
Spaces of Contemplation and Connection
The layout emphasizes both functionality and serenity:
- Central Pavilion: Serving as the social heart of the home, this pavilion frames panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and Oaxacan mountains to the east. Acting as a “threshold of permanence,” it seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living.
- Private Terraces: Each pavilion opens onto secluded terraces, blending privacy with connection to the gardens.
- Oculus to the Sky: A concrete slab pierced with circular openings invites natural light into interstitial spaces, creating moments of reflection.
The thoughtful arrangement of pavilions and pathways encourages exploration, contemplation, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Sustainability and Regional Authenticity
Tate House is as sustainable as it is stunning:
- Local Craftsmanship: The use of regional materials and techniques supports Oaxaca’s artisanal traditions.
- Passive Cooling: Open-air designs and shaded areas minimize the need for mechanical cooling systems.
- Biodiversity Focus: Native plantings and gardens enhance ecological resilience and reduce water usage.
