wood and concrete volumes form seaside retreat by taller alberto calleja / TAC in mexico

Casa Kani Ini by TAC Taller Alberto Calleja stands in Oaxaca coast

TAC Taller Alberto Calleja builds Casa Kani-Ini retreat on a 4,500 sqm plot facing the sea in the El Vigía sector of Puerto Escondido, on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. The seaside retreat had to accommodate a comprehensive program of spaces while meeting the family’s needs for use and permanence. Given this complexity, the main challenge was to design the house with the least possible impact on its immediate surroundings. Based on this premise, the approach was to break down the total built area into several strategically distributed structures.

Instead of a single massive structure, the house comprises multiple independent volumes strategically positioned to enhance privacy, ventilation, and connection with the landscape. The social and recreational area was resolved through a continuous nave, supported by a mixed structure of wood and concrete, oriented towards the beach and the Pacific Ocean. This nave features a single-sloped roof and a flat slab section on which a rooftop was designed. This elevated space offers new contemplative perspectives, inviting permanence and enhancing the visual and sensory experience from a higher level.

all images by Cesar Belio

Circulation bridges link Casa Kani-Ini’s independent built forms

The architectural team of TAC Taller Alberto Calleja positions a central green water courtyard at the heart of the house as a transition point between spaces. Maintaining a sense of openness and fluidity, this element not only connects the different areas but also provides privacy and acts as the natural distributor, defining the organic core of the house. The bedrooms and service areas are distributed across six independent modules, positioned at the rear of the property in a staggered arrangement. This layout constructively isolates the spaces, creating solid volumes that are connected only through circulation bridges. In this way, the built mass is fragmented throughout the site, achieving a more harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape. Casa Kani-Ini’s design creates a dynamic interplay between built forms and the natural environment.

a collection of independent volumes replaces a single massive structure, minimizing environmental impact

the house is designed to enhance privacy, ventilation, and connection with the landscape

a continuous nave forms the social and recreational area, opening towards the Pacific Ocean

the courtyard maintains openness while ensuring privacy and natural airflow throughout the home

the fragmented layout allows the built environment to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape

the residence balances solid volumes with open areas, fostering a dynamic interaction with nature

large openings and cross-ventilation enhance natural airflow throughout the home

Casa Kani-Ini by TAC Taller Alberto Calleja sits on a 4,500 sqm coastal plot in Puerto Escondido, Mexico

project info:

name: Casa Kani Ini
architect: TAC Taller Alberto Calleja | @taller_alberto_calleja

location: El Vigía, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico

photographer: Cesar Belio | @cesarbelio

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom