Coastal creativity amidst challenges

SC: The architectural boom in Mexico, particularly over the past few years, is driven by the freedom and flexibility in design and construction, allowing architects to pursue their creative visions without the financial constraints in Europe or the United States. This environment fosters collaboration with local craftsmen and artisans, creating unique, handcrafted designs. In places like Puerto Escondido, near Oaxaca City, the rich tradition of local craftsmanship heavily influences contemporary architecture, creating a vibrant and creative landscape. The blend of Europeans and locals has shaped Puerto's development, where land ownership is communal and flexible, attracting global architects to showcase their respectful proposals. However, this growth also brings a mix of respectful and insensitive developments, creating a dynamic but uncertain future for the town.

PM: Puerto Escondido has had a lot of free territory for a long time, providing ample opportunities. It sounds like a dream with its weather and affordability. It was once super cheap to buy property here. However, now prices are skyrocketing, creating a speculation bubble similar to what happened in Merida, though not quite to the same extent. Puerto Escondido attracts exciting people because it's also a very safe place. Narco activities and other issues have compromised many Mexican coastal areas known for their beaches and hospitality potential. States like Veracruz have stunning beaches that are overshadowed by these problems, along with poverty. In contrast, Puerto Escondido remained hidden for a long time, preserving its magic and avoiding these negative influences. This coast is called the Emerald Coast, partly due to the ocean's colour and partly because it is a hidden jewel. Now that it's becoming more open, its future is uncertain. While we might have some ideas about what could happen, we prefer to think about something other than it.

Recently, they opened a new highway connecting Puerto to Oaxaca City, and last year, Puerto Escondido had close to one million tourists. They plan a 300 to 400% increase next year due to the highway and the new terminal. This means potentially three to four million people visiting Puerto Escondido. Of course, that's going to have a considerable impact. We've been discussing how this will affect Puerto Escondido and how we can be a part of that. As architects and designers, we must engage through our work, emphasising materiality and respecting the Puerto we love and know. It's essential to make this statement now to encourage others to develop wisely and thoughtfully. By pushing for intelligent development and preserving the unique character of Puerto Escondido, we can help ensure that its growth benefits everyone while maintaining its charm and cultural integrity.

JA: In the city, you have all these rules and must be creative within those constraints. Here, you have the environment, the context, the people, the artists, and the craftsmanship needed to bring a building to life. It’s like an integral life situation, not just a professional practice. The weather here is very particular, the heat and humidity are intense, so we have to work differently than we're used to. This affects the timing, methods, and processes. Working with the local people and artisans is very different from what we were accustomed to in Mexico City. Here, the projects are richer because they involve specific details and materials. We prefer to reduce our materials, as do many architects in this school of thought. The climate, salt from the sea, and strong winds mean we can't use much metal or other industrial products. We must think differently than we would for projects in the mountains or Mexico City. It’s a different level of challenge. Additionally, we have to deal with delays and the limited availability of skilled labour. There's a lot of demand but not many well-trained workers who want to meet our standards or those of our clients. This requires us to be clever and intelligent in our approach. It’s funny, challenging, and exciting all at once. Balancing the clients' dreams with our own while working with the local resources makes for a unique and enriching experience.

Slowing down and building up

SC: As you know, Mexico City is a crazy city with fast movement and everything happening simultaneously. Everything has to be on the beat. Despite meeting here in Puerto, we have discussed our desire to slow down, step back from city life, and reconnect with the natural world. Puerto, with its size and surroundings, is perfect for this. Our practice emphasises working with earth and materiality, aligning with this slower, more natural approach. This shift will influence the city and its population on a larger scale. We cannot continue doing things the same way we've done for the last hundred years—how we build, design, and interact with labourers needs to change. Since modernism, architecture has followed specific methods, but here, we're trying to state that there are other options and possibilities. These possibilities range from the materials we use to our design approaches and our client interactions. One thing I love about using earth as a building material is that every project is unique. Each project will differ if the soil comes from the site because the earth beneath us varies. Opening a dialogue with clients to explain that their project won’t be a uniform cement block but a unique creation using their earth changes the whole perspective of architecture and building. In Puerto Escondido, we embrace a rhythm of life that aligns with nature rather than the frantic pace of a big city. This is what I, as an architect, professionally advocate for. Reducing the pace and returning to the rhythm of nature is key to creating meaningful, sustainable architecture.

PM: We want things to change, so we change ourselves first. By coming here and immersing ourselves in the context, we add value through HET - Hecho En Tierra. We live here and understand the local context, labour, timing, daylight, weather, humidity, and how to use and apply materials. Being here connects us with the people, community, and environment, allowing us to make a meaningful impact. By putting ourselves in these situations, we can make a statement about returning to the basics and grounding our work in the fundamental elements of the place.

Organic connections

SC: I've lived primarily in Oaxaca for the past seven or eight years, leaving Mexico City behind. It's been a journey where I unexpectedly fell in love with working with earth as a building material. I wasn't paying attention or interested back then, or maybe I hadn't found my professional calling yet. I've always been passionate about creating projects using the earth I knew, and it has been successful for me so far, especially with the support and inspiration Oaxaca has provided. During these years, I've primarily split my time between Oaxaca and occasionally being closer to Mexico City while developing my practice.

PM: I made the most significant leap because I'm not an architect, I'm a creative director. Previously, I worked in an advertising agency that focused on festivals, pop-up stores, and similar projects. I have always loved the design aspect of spaces and how they cater to people's needs and desires. When I met them as architects, I saw an opportunity. I was drawn to the challenge of working with materials and wanted to contribute my perspective on environmental issues through our studio's work. For me, it became a way to express myself in physical space using materials that, in my consciousness, are not harmful to the planet.

JA: I am the connection point because I was the first to come here. As much as I love Mexico City, I originally came seeking tranquillity. A lot was happening here, and it felt like a place of opportunity, significantly when Mexico City slowed down due to COVID-19. I met someone making ceramic and woodworking appliances, which resonated with my ceramics and earthen construction background. It was like two worlds coming together through the same material.

Then, I met Pau and Santiago. We bonded over our passion for materials and the local environment. Together, we participated in an earth-building workshop with an educational focus driven by our shared desire to teach and promote earth-building. It was funny how we met and were introduced at a party by a mutual friend who knew we were all interested in building with earth in Puerto Escondido. Our discussions about earth and Puerto Escondido were impressive because there aren't many people here working with earth. Yet, the three of us found ourselves here, actively engaged and creating. It all felt very organic.

PM: One really interesting aspect is that both Santiago and Jimena have European backgrounds and studied earth-building techniques abroad in Liechtenstein and Paris. When they returned to Mexico, they began integrating these international insights with knowledge gathered from local communities across various states. When they met at that party through mutual friends, they discovered they had been independently working on similar projects with earth, albeit in different states and different ways, but always with the same material.

Rediscovering earth

SC: I think for all of us, working with earth somehow brings us back to simpler times. For me, it evokes childhood memories, playing carelessly in the mud, making balls and throwing them around. It's about being in direct contact with the material, learning from it, and understanding its properties, like how earth walls breathe and act as natural humidifiers, maintaining temperature longer. So many technical aspects of earth construction are fascinating, but for me, it's always been about reconnecting with our built environment. I feel that some traditional materials can feel cold to the touch, lacking the warmth, colour, and natural scent that resonate with our senses of space. It's astonishing how disconnected we've become from this abundant material, which is literally beneath our feet. We often say there's no bad earth, all types of earth can be used; it's just about knowing how. It's remarkable that despite being the most abundant material in the world, earth is underutilised in modern architecture. 

When I made the connection as an architecture student, it was like a eureka moment. I realised that I had been taught about cement, steel, and glass throughout school, but earth was rarely mentioned. Materiality played a crucial role in my understanding of why I studied architecture in the first place. One of the core focuses of our studio and our conversations is education. We emphasise teaching others about the potential of earth as a building material, hoping to bridge the gap and inspire a deeper appreciation for its use in contemporary construction practices. We recognise the significant challenge of revitalising lost knowledge about earth construction and rekindling people's connection to working with and feeling the earth. One of the cornerstone principles of our studio is education, which means communicating and sharing the knowledge passed down to us from other earth workers and practitioners. We see a profound disconnection between human hands and the soil today. We aim to rebuild that bridge so that people feel comfortable working with this material again. It shouldn't be about status or misconceptions. Instead, it's about reclaiming knowledge that has been obscured over time. There are myths about earth being a safe building material, and concerns about water damage, earthquakes, and other perceived risks. These misconceptions have created taboos around earth construction. Our mission is to dismantle these taboos and reignite a passion for the natural essence of earth as a sustainable and beautiful building material. We want people to fall in love again with earth and recognise its potential to create resilient and harmonious built environments.

PM: It's also a political statement for us, a statement to challenge the status quo of how things are traditionally built. By advocating for earth construction, we aim to make a difference, though we're not overly ambitious about changing society entirely. Each wall built with earth represents a small step forward in directions that prioritise community and environmental well-being, among other important values. So, why earth? Because it's a political choice, we believe it will be less harmful, offering numerous benefits. It's an environmentally friendly and noble material that aligns with our values and vision for sustainable construction practices.

JA: And in terms of materiality, earth offers incredible flexibility. It's inherently malleable, and you can mould it into whatever form you desire. Whether you want to feel sophisticated and in touch with your background and context or simply comfortable knowing its environmental benefits, earth allows for all these possibilities. For me, that's what it's all about: feeling comfortable and connected, both physically and mentally, to a material whose qualities are good for the environment and resonate deeply with our sense of comfort and belonging.

Prescription for trust

JA: Clients come to us for earth because few architects build with it, and people seek that out. It's incredible for me to see people actively seeking us for this. Some also approach us because they know us personally and trust our work. They say, "If you say you'll build this with earth, I trust you. I want to understand more, but I believe you." It's amusing and intriguing because we explain everything to our clients and workers. You have to do that with workers too, like explaining, "How does it work? Does the weather not affect it?" There are so many questions about it. It's like when you visit a doctor. They tell you, "Take these pills." And you ask, "Why? What's wrong?" If the doctor explains, "You have this issue, and the medication does this," you trust them, right? I wouldn't trust a doctor who doesn't explain. That transparency is essential in architecture practice for me. Not all architects do that, some just deliver a project, hand over the plans, and that's it. They don't emphasise the importance of the client's emotions, atmosphere, or dreams, whether it's a mall, a train stop, or anything else. 

PM: In terms of challenges, the environment is a significant factor, as you might expect. Actually, it's both challenging and exciting. We have to navigate various aspects: cost, explaining the intricacies of the material, working with labourers unfamiliar with it, and many other factors. However, we embrace these challenges. When it comes to costs, we often find ourselves explaining that while a project might cost nearly the same as using concrete initially, the long-term benefits are substantial. You could save significantly on electricity bills, optimise water collection, improve airflow, and more. Our commitment to this material is unwavering because we believe in its benefits and our determination to make a positive impact.

As Jimena mentioned, we are known as HET - Hecho en Tierra. So if you want to build something that isn't hecho en tierra, made with earth, we might not be the right studio for you. This simple principle has attracted clients who understand or are open to working with earth. It has also helped us build a network where satisfied clients recommend us to others. We're not just constructing buildings but also a community, collaborating with like-minded architects who share our passion for earth construction and clients who resonate with our values. We attract people who align with our vision by openly embracing our values, including education and sustainability. This approach allows us to overcome challenges by changing perceptions about earth as a building material.

SC: One beautiful challenge we embrace is continually educating ourselves and expanding our knowledge of earth materials to share this expertise with others. This aspect is closely tied to our educational efforts. Alongside our design and construction work, we immerse ourselves in exploring and understanding different types of earth through making samples and conducting workshops and courses. We are deeply involved in every aspect we teach, working hands-on with every client who seeks an earth-based solution. This hands-on approach includes studying the earth, touching it, feeling it, and creating test cubes. This intimate engagement helps us connect deeply with the material, enriching our design proposals. While the location is crucial, our design studio manages diverse projects where we have learned to choose our battles. Not every element needs to be constructed with earth, but we strive to incorporate earth as much as possible into our designs. The design studio provides economic stability and supports our participation in workshops and other learning opportunities. This balance allows us to grow while staying true to our passion for earth construction.

Future foundations

SC: Currently, as a design studio, we're immersed in three projects focused on integrating earth elements. One project called Terrazas del Mar involves three apartments, a duplex with a studio on the second floor, where we plan to use about 80% compressed earth blocks. It's an exciting collaboration with a client who shares our enthusiasm for earth materials. The remaining 20% comprises non-earth elements, primarily concrete columns for structural support. We refer to this blend as "palapa." Beyond earth construction, we're incorporating rainwater harvesting for gardening and toilets. Additionally, a water stabilisation plant will maximise water usage within the house. The entire project will be powered by solar panels, aligning closely with our environmental values. This project embodies all the sustainable principles we advocate for. 

The other two projects also showcase the growing interest among younger couples aged 27 to 30 in incorporating earth materials. It's inspiring to see this trend emerging, and it will continue to attract more attention from future generations. These projects are family houses designed for a British and Spanish couple. The projects are located in a growing area near to Puerto, called Tierra Blanca. What has been  key in the design of this projects is to optimize  the built space in the plots, which arent that big,500 sqm each. Using a bioclimatic approach, we have achieved that the houses reach their maximum optimization , creating different terraces, concentrating on the air flow through the spaces and creating the necessary thermal mass in the projects to keep the spaces as cool as possible without the need of air conditioning.

PM: Looking ahead, we aim to expand beyond the coast of Oaxaca and beyond building beach houses or hospitality structures exclusively. Our vision is to pursue diverse and inclusive projects that are itinerant and community-focused. This involves conducting workshops and teaching engagements in various locations and providing consultancy services in different regions to explore the potential of earth-based construction beyond our current hotspot. 

While we deeply value our work here, we are eager to explore other architectural typologies. Our workshops showcase global examples of earth-built hospitals, schools, and museums, inspiring us to seek opportunities in a broader range of projects. We aim to integrate earth-based materials into diverse cultural contexts and architectural practices, not limiting ourselves to private or social housing alone.

Update from HET (October 24)

We are glad to share some exciting news in this amazing space created by New Gens. A heartfelt thank you to Jime, a cornerstone of the project, not only for its inception but also for its growth and evolution. Collaborating, exchanging ideas, and getting hands-on has been a truly special experience. While changes can be challenging, at HET, we are confident that her project, @ji.acosta, is remarkable and will offer innovative solutions to many initiatives. Thank you for an unforgettable three years—it’s been an amazing journey. 

We’re thrilled to announce that Pau and @sociedad.tropical will continue as a partner project, contributing to communication, dissemination, and education strategies. Stay tuned for the exciting adventures ahead. As we move into 2025, HET will transform and enter a new chapter in Europe. Santiago will carry the project forward, exploring new ventures and promoting earth architecture through workshops, education, and collaborations. With a passion for continuous learning and innovation, he will embark on a new educational journey, focusing on earth as a core material while expanding into more regenerative construction approaches.