Casa Tobi by Espacio 18 reflects the essence of the Oaxacan coast through architecture
Casa Tobi, designed by Espacio 18, is situated on the rugged coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. Perched on a steep, westward-facing slope, this residence embraces the Pacific horizon with a design that honors simplicity, tradition, and adaptability.
The project reflects a deep sensitivity to its context, offering a living experience that merges seamlessly with its environment while providing residents with an ever-changing spatial journey shaped by light, material, and landscape.
Casa Tobi welcomes guests through an upper-level terrace featuring a reflecting pool that mirrors the lush jungle and vivid sunsets.
This water element sets the tone for the experience, anchoring the entrance in tranquility and emphasizing the connection between architecture and nature.
The pool not only cools the air around the main social spaces but introduces a calm rhythm that continues throughout the property.
As visitors descend from the terrace, the passage tightens around them, intentionally creating a sense of enclosure before releasing into an expansive double-height social area.
This dramatic spatial shift is key to the project’s concept. Here, open walls frame sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding hills, offering a direct relationship between interior comfort and exterior beauty.
The living room, kitchen, dining area, study, and outdoor features like the pool and fire pit are arranged along this level, each space flowing into the next with a natural ease that invites gathering and reflection.
Casa Tobi’s stepped configuration follows the site’s topography, integrating architecture into the land rather than imposing on it. This approach not only ensures optimal sightlines from every room but also minimizes the house’s environmental footprint.
On the lowest level, the bedrooms rest among the treetops, offering privacy and intimacy while maintaining visual access to the surrounding landscape.
Material choices further reinforce the project’s dialogue with its context. The warm, earthy palette recalls the tones of Oaxacan soil and sunsets, while textural references to crustacean shells connect the home to its coastal environment.
Subtle design cues pay homage to regional landmarks like Hierve el Agua, with water features serving both aesthetic and sensory functions.
Casa Tobi is a story told through spatial experience, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the land.
Born from a family’s dream and a thoughtful architectural vision, it demonstrates how tourism and design can align with sustainability and cultural identity.
It offers a compelling model for future architectural responses to sensitive landscapes, where living is not separate from nature but part of it.
Photography by César Bejar, with courtesy of Espacio 18
Interested in publishing your work?
If you are interested in having your work featured on Visual Atelier 8, please visit our Submission page. Once approved, your work will be presented to our global audience of professionals and enthusiasts.
