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An Ageless Beauty in the Valle de Bravo Mexican Jungle

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Mexican firm CHK arquitectura have concocted a dwelling that is quietly absorbed into the surrounding forest like an ancient ruin.

The Maza house is like an apparition in the forest of Valle de Bravo.

Parts of the naturally weathered concrete exterior look as if the house has been long abandoned to weeds, like a ruin that has seen better times.

But its cascades of terraced green roofs sprouting weedy growth top fully glazed interiors.

It is a restrained and elegant house that is full of surprises and contrasts.

Stained concrete gives way to the warmth of travertine floors and the civility of built-in dropped seating.

A bedroom is both completely in the jungle and is completely sheltered from it by the thick timber cladding.

Abundant use of heavy timber creates an almost cave-like shelter, rich with contrasts.

The monk-like simplicity of a serene listening spot for the call of the cicadas buzzing outside in the jungle.

The warmth and elegance of a utterly primitive and yet completely contemporary fireplace.

The warmth of wood in the open plan dining area is reflected in the recessed lighting in the heavy beams overhead.

Like the cascading roofs above, the open plan living/dining/entertaining space descends in levels.

The sunken entertaining space is the last of these, opening out to the ground level.

A natural pool outdoors suggests the peace and quiet of a slow moving stream in the forest.

Peaceful even is the complete lack of man-made landscaping.

Contrasting with the green-tinged glass and the weathered concrete, the quiet exterior features bookish wooden screens of dark teak.

It is a look at once unkempt and civilized.