Casa Alegría: Surf-Inspired Mediterranean Vacation Rental
Casa Alegria, a stunning vacation rental in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, designed by Garquiteg in 2022. This Mediterranean-style house in the Zicatela neighborhood boasts seamless indoor-outdoor living, featuring a free-flowing floor plan, lush desert landscaping, and breathtaking views of the nearby Punta Zicatela beach, known for its world-class surf.
Crafted with locally sourced and reclaimed materials, Casa Alegria exemplifies sustainable design while offering a unique and authentic experience for guests seeking a relaxing coastal retreat in the heart of Oaxaca.
About Casa Alegría
Unveiling Casa Alegría: A Beachfront Oasis in Puerto Escondido
Nestled along the captivating coastline of Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, Mexico, Casa Alegría emerges as a beacon of architectural excellence. Designed by Garquiteg in 2022, this vacation rental residence seamlessly blends Mediterranean aesthetics with the region’s vibrant vernacular charm.
Embracing the Essence of Zicatela
Situated within a thriving neighborhood, Casa Alegría capitalizes on the area’s rich cultural and natural assets. Zicatela, with its population of 45,000, is a quiet haven known for its world-renowned surf breaks, mouthwatering cuisine, and captivating topography. This combination of beach, gastronomy, and bohemian allure has positioned the region as a premier vacation destination in Mexico.
Crafting a Relaxing Retreat
The client’s primary objective was to create a vacation rental that would offer tenants an authentic and rejuvenating experience. To achieve this, the design team opted for a Mediterranean architectural style that effortlessly integrates with the local vernacular and materials. The result is a residence that fosters a strong sense of connection to the surrounding environment.
Maximizing Openness and Connectivity
The design concept at the heart of Casa Alegría focuses on maximizing openness, visual scope, and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. Utilizing free-flowing floor plans and cantilevered beams, the project’s programmatic boundaries are arranged to generate private areas that are in constant dialogue with the expansive public spaces.
Harmonious Architectural Program
Casa Alegría’s three-level layout is a harmonious blend of diverse yet interconnected spaces. The first floor hosts the kitchen, dining room, and both indoor and outdoor pools surrounded by a lush garden of endemic Oaxacan cacti. The second-floor terrace offers breathtaking sea views, while the top-level master bedroom is crowned by a double-height palapa roof that enhances thermal comfort and highlights the stunning Punta Zicatela beach.
Embracing Local Materials and Craftsmanship
The material and finish palette of Casa Alegría pays homage to the region’s rich heritage. The uniform white color scheme, characteristic of the Mediterranean style, contrasts beautifully with the warm tones of the endemic vegetation, the palapa roof, and the certified local parota wood used for the columns, beams, and furnishings. Reclaimed wood from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec adds to the project’s sense of authenticity, while Moroccan-inspired elements create a captivating cultural dialogue.
Sustainable and Community-Driven Design
Beyond its formal excellence, Casa Alegría is also a model of environmental sustainability. The residence features solar interconnection panels and passive bioclimatic strategies, such as strategic ventilation and orientation, to ensure energy efficiency and a comfortable indoor climate. Moreover, the project’s impact extends to the local community, inspiring neighbors to enhance their homes and embrace superior architectural practices.
A Benchmark for Coastal Living
Casa Alegría has become a benchmark for the Zicatela region, harmoniously blending Mediterranean design with the area’s unique vernacular elements. The residence’s openness, visual scope, and seamless connection to the natural and cultural environment create a truly captivating experience for its guests, fostering a deep sense of belonging and connection to the surrounding coastal paradise.
Photography courtesy of Garquiteg
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