Puerto House by TACO taller de arquitectura contextual

A Compact Coastal Retreat

Puerto House, designed by TACO taller de arquitectura contextual, redefines small-scale coastal living through adaptive architecture and local sensibility. Nestled within the vibrant port of Progreso, Yucatán, the 95-square-meter project transforms a narrow 5 x 17-meter lot into two flexible housing units that merge hospitality with the laid-back rhythm of seaside life.

Flexible Modular Design

Conceived as a miniature multifamily building, the structure consists of two independent yet connectable units—each capable of functioning autonomously or as a single dwelling. This modular approach enables adaptive use, ideal for short-term rentals or seasonal living. The compact footprint maximizes spatial efficiency while preserving privacy and openness through courtyards and level variations.

Reusing the Past, Building the Future

The design preserves the pre-existing stone walls and original door of the former structure, integrating them both structurally and symbolically into the new construction. This gesture not only grounds the house in its historical context but also promotes sustainable reuse. The resulting composition balances heritage and modernity through simple geometries and functional zoning—with a unit on each level, vertical circulation to the rooftop, and a ground-floor garden.

Spatial Flow and Atmosphere

Accessed via a narrow pedestrian alley, the house opens into a vestibule courtyard that distributes movement between floors. The ground floor unit connects to a private micro-garden, a reimagined coastal landscape complete with sand, native vegetation, and a water feature. Two inner courtyards introduce natural light and ventilation, crafting a serene spatial sequence.

The upper unit unfolds toward the sea, offering panoramic views through a large window and balcony. A rooftop terrace with a plunge pool and barbecue area extends the experience, becoming a social and contemplative space overlooking the pier and lighthouse.

Material Language and Thermal Comfort

Material selection is rooted in local craft and climatic logic. White concrete floors with shell inlays, pigmented stucco walls, cedar wood joinery, and oxidized steel details evoke the industrial character of the port while ensuring durability in the coastal environment. The western façade’s solid circulation core acts as a thermal buffer, minimizing solar heat gain and enhancing comfort.

Contextual Modernism

Casa de Puerto represents contextual minimalism, blending vernacular materials and coastal typologies into a compact yet expressive architectural statement. The project captures the essence of port living—intimate, adaptable, and in constant dialogue with the sea—while harmonizing seamlessly with the urban rhythm of Progreso’s boardwalk.

All Photographs are works of Paulina Góngora