A groundbreaking residential project has emerged in the ecological reserves near Valle de Bravo in the State of Mexico, showcasing how contemporary architecture can harmoniously blend with natural landscapes while embracing traditional building methods. The Tecorral House, designed by architects Claudia Rodriguez and Louise Rouzaud in collaboration with Estudio OME for landscape design, represents a masterful integration of sustainable design principles and local construction techniques across its 380 square meters of living space, completed in 2024.

The architectural concept revolves around independent volumes strategically positioned at different elevations across the sloping terrain to maximize southern orientation and capture optimal views of the surrounding mountains. This thoughtful layout creates multiple circulation pathways throughout the property, with three main volumes situated at the highest point of the land forming an intimate interior garden that opens dramatically toward the mountain vista. The remaining program elements are nestled among carefully designed gardens, maintaining a more private and secluded character that respects the natural forest setting.

Each inhabited space features transitional elements including hallways and access patios that serve as buffer zones between the wild forest and the domestic interior spaces. These intermediate spaces are complemented by covered terraces and extended garden areas that effectively blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, creating a seamless connection with the natural environment while providing comfortable outdoor living spaces for the residents.

The single-story buildings showcase a sophisticated interplay of flat and sloped rooflines that emphasize horizontal lines and strengthen the visual connection with the surrounding forest canopy. A defining feature of the project is the extensive use of stone bases that extend across the landscape as low dry stone walls, known locally as 'tecorrales' - from which the house derives its name. These traditional stone walls weave through the architectural composition, accentuating the horizontal design lines while following the natural contour lines of the land.

The tecorrales serve multiple functional purposes beyond their aesthetic contribution, accompanying the pathways that connect different elements of the house while establishing a strong relationship with the broader landscape. At the edges of these stone walls, the architects incorporated plantings of fruit trees, native shrubs, and indigenous plant species, while creating strategic trenches designed to channel rainwater effectively throughout the property.

Sustainability drives the material selection, with earth serving as the primary building material in an effort to return to local resources and minimize environmental impact. The walls are constructed using 'machimblock' - interlocking blocks made from raw earth that provide exceptional thermal and acoustic performance for the interior spaces. The exterior walls feature traditional plastering techniques using earth and nopal mucilage, while interior surfaces are finished with lime stucco and various pigmented treatments that add warmth and character to the living spaces.

Specialized interior spaces such as the sauna and wine cellar feature custom wood paneling that adds texture and functionality to these unique areas. The flooring throughout the house combines carved stone, traditional brick, and reclaimed wood salvaged from the construction formwork, creating a rich tapestry of natural materials that reflects the project's commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness.

The structural system for the sloped roofs utilizes locally sourced pine wood covered with traditional clay tiles, while pigmented concrete made with soil from the construction site was used for slabs, columns, and protective closure beams that shield the earth walls from weather exposure. This approach demonstrates how modern construction techniques can incorporate local materials and traditional methods.

Comprehensive sustainable systems complement the natural material palette, including solar energy generation for electrical needs and integrated water treatment and reuse systems. An innovative rainwater collection system captures precipitation from all roof surfaces, storing it for household use while directing overflow to a natural swimming pool located at the lowest elevation of the property. This natural pool serves dual purposes as both a key landscape element and the final component of the comprehensive water management strategy.

The project represents a significant achievement in sustainable residential architecture, demonstrating how contemporary design can respectfully integrate with sensitive ecological environments while maintaining high standards of comfort and functionality. The collaboration between the architectural team and landscape designers has created a residence that not only minimizes its environmental footprint but actively contributes to the health and preservation of the surrounding forest ecosystem, establishing a new model for environmentally conscious luxury living in Mexico's protected natural areas.