Leo Espinosa

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How to Choose the Front Door of a House?

As much as walls, ceilings, and furniture pieces define the character and perception of an architectural project, doors play a critical role in building that style. Among all the doors used in houses, the front door is the first tangible element that homeowners and visitors will encounter, acting as the pivotal point where architecture greets the user. After all, first impressions are always important; and the entrance door is certainly one that can set the tone for the rest of the interior. However, choosing the right front door for a contemporary house can be difficult, especially with so many design possibilities. Therefore, before making that decision, it is crucial to know what those possibilities are – and how these can transform the front door into a design statement.

Island Cabin / TACO taller de arquitectura contextual

Island Cabin / TACO taller de arquitectura contextual  - More Images+ 35

Interior Design: Houses in Mexico That Include Bathtubs

Over the years, interior design has evolved according to the needs that arise, but above all according to the experiences it seeks to evoke in the user. In the last two years we have witnessed a radical change and a special interest in this subject because the pandemic forced us to pay specific attention to the configuration of the places we inhabit. This brought about much more holistic designs that seek to address the wellbeing of the user, combining colours, sensory experiences, technology and natural elements that promote health.

Nahsac House / TACO taller de arquitectura contextual

Nahsac House / TACO taller de arquitectura contextual  - More Images+ 36

Conkal, Mexico

Al Modar Founders Pavilion/ TACO taller de arquitectura contextual

Al Modar Founders Pavilion/ TACO taller de arquitectura contextual  - Interior Photography, Adaptive Reuse, Kitchen, Table, Chair, Countertop
© Leo Espinosa

Al Modar Founders Pavilion/ TACO taller de arquitectura contextual  - More Images+ 35

The Rustic Beauty of the Chukum in Modern Mexican Architecture

The Rustic Beauty of the Chukum in Modern Mexican Architecture - More Images+ 34

In Yucatan, architects are reviving an ancient Mayan stucco technique for contemporary buildings, merging modern architecture with regional history and culture. The technique is called “chukum,” a term derived from the colloquial name for the Havardia albicans tree native to Mexico. Made with chukum tree bark, the material has several defining qualities that separate it from traditional stucco, including impermeable properties and a natural earthy color. Though chukum initially fell out of use following Spanish conquest of the Maya civilization, it was rediscovered and reemployed by Salvador Reyes Rios of the architecture firm Reyes Rios + Larrain Arquitectos in the late 1990’s, initiating a resurgence of use in the area.

Monochromatic Kitchens: 3 Design Strategies with a Single Color

Monochromatic Kitchens: 3 Design Strategies with a Single Color - More Images+ 24

A monochrome environment is a space in which most architectural elements are of a single color. Although it is common for architects to design black or white monochromatic spaces due to its neutrality, it is possible to use almost any color to design a space, taking advantage of their infinite tones, undertones, and shades.

Architecture in Mexico: Exploring Houses to Understand the Territory of Mérida

Architecture in Mexico: Exploring Houses to Understand the Territory of Mérida - More Images+ 20

The city of Merida –capital of the Yucatan state in Mexico– is a region that has experienced a rise in architectural development in recent years due to the emerging talent that has made a name for itself with national awards and biennial proposals throughout the country. Due to Merida's tropical climate, the architecture on this site corresponds to specific geographical conditions that make it one of the most visited destinations in the world.

Best Houses of 2019

Best Houses of 2019 - More Images+ 46

More than 5.000 architecture projects were published in ArchDaily this year.  Year after year, we curate hundreds of residential projects, and as we know our readers love houses, we compiled a selection of the most visited residential projects published on the site. 

Set in various locations around the world, in urban, rural, mountain and beach landscapes; a variety of structural designs, from traditional masonry to the most technological prefabricated systems; from small dwellings to large houses and materials such as concrete, wood, and bricks as the most used. We also found their design and typology solutions were very much aligned with their specific settings and all of them share a strong dialogue between the house and nature, whether it is its direct surroundings or the introduction of green into a more condensed urban setting. 

This selection of 50 houses highlights the most visited examples during these twelve months and, according to our readers, were the most attractive in innovation, construction techniques, and design challenges. Check them out below:

Walk-in Showers Without Doors or Curtains: Design Tips and Examples

Walk-in Showers Without Doors or Curtains: Design Tips and Examples - More Images+ 23

Because it doesn't include a bathtub, or require doors, screens, or curtains, the walk-in shower often makes bathrooms appear larger, cleaner, and more minimalist. 

However, some precautions must be taken when designing them. Most importantly, the shower cannot be left completely open, even if it appears to be at first glance. Most designs incorporate a tempered glass that prevents water from "bouncing" out of the shower space, subtly closing the area. When this transparent division doesn't have a frame, the appearance of fungi due to accumulation of water and moisture becomes less likely.

Lake House / TACO taller de arquitectura contextual

Lake House / TACO taller de arquitectura contextual  - More Images+ 34

Merida, Mexico
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  220
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2019
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  CASTEL, Comex, Predeco, Tecnolite, URREA

Concrete Architecture: 20 Outstanding Projects in Mexico

Concrete Architecture: 20 Outstanding Projects in Mexico - More Images+ 18

Concrete, a material commonly used in the construction industry, is made of a binder combined with aggregates (or gravels), water, and certain additives. Its origins reach back as far as Ancient Egypt, when the construction of large structures created the need for a new kind of material: one which was liquid, featured properties of natural stones, could be molded, and communicated a sense of nobility and grandeur. 

8 Mexican Projects That Use Bamboo

8 Mexican Projects That Use Bamboo - More Images+ 4

Mexico is a country known globally for its traditional and contemporary architectural elements. The construction techniques characteristic of each region and the use of materials according to thermic, economic, or aesthetic needs result in unique spaces.

Bamboo as a constructive or decorative element, coating, facade, or roof has proven its superiority over materials such as plastic and steel.

While it is true that research on this material has advanced significantly in recent years, we know that there is still much to learn. Many architects are seeking knowledge from the past to apply to their current techniques. Below, we've selected a list of 8 Mexican projects that explore the use of bamboo in the hands of architects and artisans.