casa oruç by saavedra arquitectos connects elevated living with mexico’s nature

A Forest Home in mexico

Casa Oruç by Saavedra Arquitectos is located in Mineral del Monte, Mexico, a mountainous region defined by steep slopes, dense pine forest, and shifting mist. The site’s pronounced incline, along with access points at both its highest eastern edge and lowest southern boundary, set the stage for a design that responds directly to the terrain and its natural surroundings.

The architects position the house in an eroded clearing on the north side, where a stream’s long course down the slope had shaped a natural platform. Here, sunlight is filtered through the forest canopy, and seasonal rain is as present as the sun. This context informed the building’s relationship to light, views, and water management from the earliest stages of design.

images © Onnis Luque

Processional Entry Through the Landscape

Visitors approach from the upper level of the site, where the team at Saavedra Arquitectos completely conceals its Casa Oruç by trees. A bridge leads to a tower containing the living room, though its interior remains hidden from view. Stairs coil around the tower, bringing a sequence of changing textures underfoot and to the touch—black exposed concrete alternating with fluted concrete block.

Descending to the next level, an open frame signals arrival without yet crossing the threshold. A corridor under an inverted double-sloped roof leads further into the trees, offering framed glimpses of the living space below. The route ends at the main entry, where the house reveals itself fully for the first time.

the house is located in Mineral del Monte Hidalgo among steep slopes and dense pine forest

Interior Flow and Gathering Spaces by saavedra arquitectos

Inside, the central volume adapts to multiple uses over the course of a day — living room, dining space, and kitchen — while opening to a south-facing terrace that extends the social areas outdoors. The inverted roofline draws the eye toward the bedroom wing, which projects twenty-five feet into the forest canopy. Here, the structure’s height seeks the best light, positioning the private rooms among the treetops.

The plan reflects the clients’ desire to host gatherings, allowing spaces to merge for large groups or shift to smaller, more intimate settings. These transitions are supported by the home’s continuous visual and physical connection to the surrounding forest.

Saavedra Arquitectos places Casa Oruç in a natural clearing shaped by erosion

the design uses access points at the highest and lowest parts of the site

a bridge and tower create a concealed approach through the trees

an inverted double sloped roof frames views and channels light

project info:

name: Casa Oruç

architect: Saavedra Arquitectos | @saavedraarquitectos

location: Mineral del Monte, Mexico

built area: 2,691 square feet

photography: © Onnis Luque | @onnisluque_fotografia

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