Nestled in the Coahuila desert of Mexico, El Cenizo is a residence meticulously crafted to endure extreme temperatures—soaring to 40-49°C in summer and nearing freezing in winter—while prioritizing water and energy conservation.This project exemplifies the seamless integration of design, technology, and sustainability, aiming to create an inclusive and comfortable living space that harmoniously coexists with its harsh environment.
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El Cenizo addresses environmental sustainability with a focus on water usage, energy conservation, and air conditioning efficiency:
Passive Cooling and Ventilation:Over 100 meters of underground tubes, buried one meter deep, act as natural air coolers during summer.Warm air exits through five solar-heated steel chimneys, creating a passive air exchange system that refreshes indoor spaces with cooled air.
Energy Efficiency through Insulation:Walls, floors, and ceilings are heavily insulated using fiberglass, Hebel blocks, and double-glazed glass walls and windows to minimize energy consumption.
Water Conservation:Rainwater is harvested and channeled through decorative fountains before storage in a large cistern.Filtered water supports household use, while greywater is treated and recycled to irrigate the garden.
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a grand entrance featuring a bespoke door designed by Merla Laguna. This door showcases expansive wood surfaces, exuding warmth and solidity, setting the tone for the interior’s aesthetic. Adjacent to the entrance stands the Polipo table, another of Laguna’s creations. The Polipo table’s organic form and intricate design serve as both a functional piece and a sculptural statement, enhancing the foyer’s ambiance.
Design Aesthetics play a fundamental role in El Cenizo, where design composition, material selection, colors, and finishes come together to create a cohesive, visually appealing environment. The space exudes a sense of modern elegance, with warm, natural textures and expansive windows that seamlessly connect the interior with the lush outdoor views, providing a serene, inviting atmosphere.
Passive Cooling and Ventilation: Over 100 meters of underground tubes, buried 1 meter deep, act as natural air coolers during summer. Warm air exits through five solar-heated steel chimneys, creating a passive air exchange system that refreshes indoor spaces with cooled air.
The dining area is anchored by the Dynamic table, a testament to innovative design and functionality. Its fluid lines and adaptable form invite interaction and conversation, making it a centerpiece that defines the space. The surrounding environment, characterized by natural textures and expansive windows, seamlessly connects the interior with the desert landscape, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Energy Efficiency through Insulation: To minimize energy consumption, walls, floors, and ceilings are heavily insulated using fiberglass, Gebel blocks, and double-glazed glass walls and windows.
In this photo, a serpentine coil embedded in the concrete circulates water heated by solar panels, effectively warming private spaces during winter. Additional features include a steel ceiling, offering low thermal mass, quick installation, and low maintenance, with R19 fiberglass insulation (thermal conductivity 0.047 W/m·K). The west-facing walls are built from recycled high-temperature insulating ceramics.
Plants serve as natural insulation and reduce sun exposure in this green desert rooftop garden. Positioned around the plants, mini-split condensers cool the air, boosting their efficiency.
This project uses advanced insulation features: double and triple-layered Low-E windows, along with eco-friendly ‘Hebel’ walls—recyclable, inert, non-toxic, lightweight, and fire-resistant. Hebel provides lasting energy savings with low thermal conductivity (0.1059 W/m·K), while minimizing environmental impact.
Tramonto di Juncos
A geometric interpretation of nature’s rhythm, Tramonto di Juncos captures the fading light over a riverbank, where reeds sway with the water’s flow. Slender red rods rise in a dynamic arrangement, evoking juncos bending in the breeze. Their upward tilt suggests both growth and movement, engaging with light, shadows, and reflections on the water below.
The bold red contrasts with the surrounding greenery, amplifying the dialogue between the organic and the constructed. Tramonto di Juncos is a personalized creation by Merla Laguna for El Cenizo, blending art, architecture, and the fluid poetry of nature.
Water Conservation: Rainwater is harvested and channeled through decorative fountains before storage in a large cistern. Filtered water supports household use, while gray water is treated and recycled to irrigate the garden.
Rainwater is harvested from the 700 m² roof.
During rainfall, harvested water flows through pipes, animating the fountain in a harmonious display.
Water is distributed through passive channels.
High-efficiency equipment is used to store and filter the water.
Filtered water is stored for automated drip irrigation in the garden.
Greywater is separated and naturally filtered through plants.
Solar Power and Heating: Solar panels generate electricity, heat the pool, and, through a custom solar panel-pump system, circulate water in an underfloor coil for winter heating. A semi-automated system manages lighting and energy to maximize efficiency.
Aeroform Table – Precision in Motion
Aeroform is a sculptural dining table that embodies the raw power and precision of aeronautical engineering. Crafted from repurposed stainless steel turbine components, its design captures the essence of movement and industrial elegance. The layered blades, once part of a machine built for flight, now serve as the foundation for a striking glass surface—an interplay of structure and transparency.
Expressly designed for El Cenizo by Merla Laguna, Aeroform transforms the remnants of propulsion into a grounded yet dynamic centerpiece. It is more than a table; it is a conversation between past and present, technology and artistry, redefining how industrial heritage meets contemporary living.
El Cenizo exemplifies a harmonious blend of innovative design, sustainable practices, and artistic expression. Each element, from bespoke furniture to integrated art installations, contributes to a living space that is both functional and inspiring, reflecting Merla Laguna’s commitment to creating environments that resonate with beauty and ecological responsibility.
