Jardin de Madera Cabin
A warm and simple retreat where nature and architecture merge.
A Refuge in the garden.
The Jardin de Madera Cabin is a space designed to enjoy life in its simplest and most natural form. Inspired by traditional Mexican ranch houses, it reinterprets their essence with a contemporary approach, where the warmth of wood and the purity of shapes create a cozy and timeless atmosphere. It is not just a cabin; it is a refuge where design and nature coexist in perfect harmony.
Located in the garden of Casa Blanco Madera, this small retreat prioritizes the experience of inhabiting. Without the demands of a main house, its most important function is to make its inhabitants feel good. Every choice of materials, shapes, and connections is guided by this intention: to offer a place where time flows peacefully and pleasantly, without excess or artificiality.
Spaces that invite living.
The cabin consists of two main spaces: the bedroom and the living-dining area. Between them are the service areas: a small dressing room and the bathroom. The transition between the interior and exterior is marked by a covered porch, a key element in the facade's composition. This intermediate space functions as a natural extension of the interior, allowing enjoyment of the outdoors with protection and comfort.
The cabin’s design follows the idea of creating a refuge that establishes a seamless dialogue with its surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow the spaces to open completely, integrating the garden with the living areas and blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Light, air, and vegetation become fundamental elements of the spatial experience.
A roof that Is both structure and sculpture.
The cabin’s defining feature is its gabled roof, a symmetrical triangle that not only provides shelter but also defines the project’s character. Its structure is composed of interwoven beams that create a visual interplay between geometry and light, making it a prominent feature both inside and out.
This beam design contributes to an honest construction language, where each element is displayed in its true structural function. There are no simulations or superfluous coverings; the beauty lies in the precision of the joints and the natural expression of the materials.
Materiality: simplicity and warmth.
The selection of materials follows two fundamental principles: a preference for natural materials and a reduced palette to enhance the sensory perception of space. The combination of wood, white stucco, and marble provides a timeless aesthetic where each texture is experienced authentically.
The walls are made of aerated concrete blocks, a material that offers thermal insulation and energy efficiency. Inside, the flooring varies by space: wooden planks in the bedroom for a warm feel, Fiorito marble in the living-dining area for freshness and durability, and wooden decking on the porch for a natural transition to the exterior. The roof is finished with natural clay tiles, a nod to the tradition of Mexican country homes.
Strategies for comfort.
The Jardin de Madera Cabin is designed not only for aesthetic appeal but also for efficient performance. The project’s thermal configuration ensures a comfortable environment without relying on mechanical climate control systems. Walls, floors, and the roof incorporate insulating materials such as extruded polystyrene, mineral wool, and fiberglass, optimizing interior thermal regulation.
To compensate for the reduced natural light due to the porch, skylights were incorporated into the roof, positioned between the beams. These openings allow soft, even light to bathe the interior spaces, creating a luminous and serene atmosphere.
An Invitation to enjoy the space.
Beyond its architectural composition, the Jardin de Madera Cabin is an invitation to live more simply and in connection with nature. Every decision in its design and construction reflects the pursuit of a refuge where time moves differently—without rush, with the warmth of wood, the freshness of air, and light filtering through the beams.
At Ethelett, we believe architecture should be an exercise in exploration, where each material, shape, and detail tells a story. The Jardin de Madera Cabin embodies this philosophy: a blend of tradition and modernity that offers a space designed for everyday enjoyment. A place where architecture does not impose but rather accompanies.
