Architectural Cases

In the heart of Mexico's verdant Valle de Bravo, Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos has masterfully crafted Rancho del Bosque, a remarkable holiday haven. This sprawling 735-square-meter retreat, composed of six distinctive red concrete structures, is thoughtfully interspersed amidst a serene pine forest. It represents a profound architectural statement, designed to offer a tranquil escape where the built environment gracefully coexists with the untamed beauty of nature. The project aims to establish a new paradigm for integrating modern living spaces into sensitive ecological settings, promoting a dialogue between human ingenuity and natural splendor.

Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos' Rancho del Bosque: A Detailed Architectural Insight

Situated in the picturesque Valle de Bravo, Mexico, approximately two hours from Mexico City, Rancho del Bosque is a testament to innovative architectural design by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos. This exquisite vacation home, envisioned for a family seeking respite and connection with nature, comprises a series of six striking red concrete pavilions. Each structure, arranged meticulously along a sloping hillside, serves a unique purpose, fostering an immersive living experience. Fernando Sordo Madaleno, a key architect at the firm, emphasizes the deliberate fragmentation of the layout, stating, “The design encourages inhabitants to perceive the surrounding environment as an organic extension of their living quarters, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.”

The largest pavilion, a gracefully extruded semi-cylinder, forms the central communal hub, encompassing spacious living and dining areas. To its south, four smaller, similarly shaped blocks are dedicated to intimate lounge spaces and multi-story bedrooms, providing comfortable accommodation for family members. A cuboidal sixth block, positioned at the northern extremity, houses essential service areas and a contemporary kitchen. The architectural arrangement is a direct response to the site's topography; curved walls at the rear offer seclusion and privacy, while the west-facing facades open up to breathtaking views of the valley, inviting the landscape into every aspect of daily life.

The construction material palette prominently features pigmented concrete, infused with a subtle red hue to mirror the iron-rich soil of Valle de Bravo, ensuring a harmonious integration with the local geological characteristics. Complementing the concrete are natural timber, utilized for flooring and intricate joinery, and pristine white limestone, which adorns internal walls, notably in the living areas. Rugged quarry stones pave the meandering pathways and balconies, further grounding the residence in its natural context. Expansive roof overhangs provide ample shade, creating inviting outdoor spaces, including a generous pool terrace. These design elements collectively orchestrate a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, encouraging residents to wander through the tree canopy and savor panoramic vistas of the valley.

Rancho del Bosque is an integral part of the larger 370-hectare Valle San Nicolás development, for which Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos also developed the overarching masterplan. This project, alongside the acclaimed Valle San Nicolás Clubhouse, completed in 2021, embodies the firm's vision for sustainable and aesthetically pleasing development within the region. Fernando Sordo Madaleno articulates the project's philosophy: “The architecture, rather than dominating, gently settles into the landscape, balancing human intention with natural continuity, creating a seamless and respectful presence within the valley.”

This architectural endeavor provides a profound inspiration, demonstrating how thoughtful design can foster a symbiotic relationship between human habitation and the natural world. It challenges conventional notions of luxury living by prioritizing environmental integration and an immersive experience. The meticulous selection of materials, the strategic placement of structures, and the emphasis on panoramic views collectively highlight a commitment to creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply connected to their ecological context. Rancho del Bosque stands as a beacon for future developments, urging us to consider how our built environments can enrich, rather than detract from, the natural beauty that surrounds us.

A significant architectural undertaking is set to revitalize the Plum Village Buddhist Monastery in the scenic Dordogne region of France, as Dutch studio MVRDV presents its ambitious renovation blueprints. The proposal encompasses a complete overhaul of the monastery's arrangement, along with the construction of new wooden guesthouses and a nunnery. This redevelopment seeks to optimize the monastery's functionality and enhance the experience for its community and guests.

Central to the masterplan is the reorganization of the monastery's upper and lower hamlets. This includes rerouting vehicular access to establish a more inviting entry point and create pedestrian-friendly village centers, free from traffic. Furthermore, the existing bookshop will undergo extensive renovation, while new designs for a nunnery and four guesthouses will be executed in collaboration with Bordeaux-based architecture firm Moonwalklocal. These efforts are geared towards bolstering the monastery's capacity to share the teachings of Engaged Buddhism with a wider audience, including retreat attendees and general visitors, reflecting a deep commitment to the spiritual and communal life of the residents.

The newly planned nunnery, to be located in the monastery's lower hamlet, will feature dormitories, shared spaces, educational facilities, a meditation hall, and a library, all thoughtfully arranged around a central courtyard. Emphasizing environmental stewardship, the structure will be built using sustainable materials like wood and straw, incorporating a prefabricated timber frame system with straw insulation to minimize carbon emissions. This design choice aligns with the monastery's dedication to ecological principles and promotes a sense of community among the nuns through generous verandas surrounding the courtyard. Meanwhile, the renovated bookshop, housed in a stone barn, is envisioned as the vibrant social hub of the upper hamlet, offering a covered outdoor seating area and displaying books on custom-built wooden shelving. The four new two-story wooden guesthouses will provide accommodations with rooms clustered around communal living areas, further enriching the visitor experience.

This transformative project not only demonstrates a deep respect for the monastery's spiritual mission but also showcases how contemporary architectural principles can be harmoniously integrated with traditional values and environmental consciousness. By creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, MVRDV's design will facilitate the monastery's ongoing role as a center for spiritual learning and community engagement, inspiring a positive and reflective atmosphere for all who visit or reside there. The thoughtful integration of sustainable practices and community-focused design highlights a forward-thinking approach to sacred architecture, promoting well-being and a deeper connection to nature and shared purpose.