Ex-Hacienda Guadalupe: an ode to Mexican culture

In the heart of the Tlacolula Valley in Oaxaca, Colombian designer Raul Cabra and American writer Michael Sledge gave new life into an 18th-century hacienda, transforming it into a home that embodies their creative vision and celebrates a deep connection with the local culture and traditions of Mexico.

Purchased in ruins in 2007, this property, now known as Ex-Hacienda Guadalupe, underwent a restoration process that became a journey of rediscovery and dialogue with the history of the place.

With stone walls, red clay floors, and untreated wood, their home is more than just a residence; it’s a manifesto of respect for tradition and a tribute to the beauty of simplicity. "Through hands-on making - says Raoul - we aim to establish bonds across cultures and to ultimately challenge our preconceived notions of otherness and difference in the process".

 

Residence and Workshop: A Space for Local Entrepreneurship

Cabra, founder of Cabra Diseño and designer of objects, graphics and interiors, remodeled the Hacienda using only artisanal techniques but with a contemporary eye. Using traditional construction methods, he aimed to fuse the past and present seamlessly.

Together with Sledge, partner and co-founder of Oax-i-fornia —a project promoting social change through design—they transformed the hacienda into a retreat for creativity and a cultural hub that hosts workshops and events.

In this context, design students and local artisans come together to explore contemporary craft production. This promotes the inclusion of Oaxacan artisanal production in new markets and providing local communities with tools for independent entrepreneurship.

 

An Ode to Oaxaca and traditional architecture

The house itself is an ode to Oaxaca and its culture. The stone structure, with walls a meter thick, has withstood centuries of earthquakes, revolutions, and wars. The restoration employed traditional techniques, such as cal apagada, a wall finish used by the indigenous Zapotec culture and still visible in ancient ruins like Mitla. This method not only waterproofs the walls but also ensures exceptional durability.

Modern comforts were harmoniously introduced while respecting the original architecture. Thick walls and high ceilings are utilized to maintain a comfortable environment year-round: fireplaces provide warmth in winter, while open doors create natural cooling s in the summer.

The restoration process was long and complex, spanning more than eight years, during which Raul and Michael lived closely with the house, allowing the building itself to reveal its needs and suggest necessary changes.

"To me, the house is a living creature that is Oaxaca in essence rooted in tradition, but contemporary all the way," Raul says. This deep dialogue between architect and architecture helped preserve the building’s authentic spirit.

From an aesthetic standpoint, Raul chose a natural color palette that allowed the materials’ authentic tones to shine through. No artificial paints were used: red clay floors, white lime-washed walls, unpainted wood, and rusted metal sealed to preserve its patina create a harmonious palette that reflects the surrounding landscape and colonial architecture.

Each material, including wood and metal, was used in a way that highlights its timeless qualities, emphasizing the house’s authenticity and character. "This approach allowed the home to evolve organically, embracing the changes and weathering that come with time, while staying rooted in its context and natural beauty", Raul says.

 

A Project of Historical Continuity

The interior layout centres around a large central courtyard, the heart of the home, with various rooms radiating outward. The 1,360-square-meter building includes four bedrooms, a library, a chapel converted into a showroom, an office, a second exhibition space, and areas for Oax-i-fornia workshops.

Outside, a large warehouse and chicken coop complete the structure, while expansive gardens welcome both guests and the family’s animals. Inspired by Oaxaca’s colonial architecture and surrounding landscapes, Raul added several openings to the original structure, which once had only a single door and two windows, framing stunning views of the valley.

Among the most fascinating details is the use of reclaimed materials from 17th-century buildings, such as doors and windows sourced from other regions of Mexico and brought back to Oaxaca. This approach not only elevated the project’s quality but also imbued the house with a sense of historical continuity.

Even the kitchen exemplifies the blend of tradition and modernity: its cement floors, inspired by 19th-century churches, add a contemporary touch while maintaining ties to historical design.

The result is an atmosphere of simple elegance, where luxury emerges from the quality of materials, the generosity of space, and meticulous artisanal details. Every corner reflects a deep respect for Oaxaca’s history and culture, engaging in a constant dialogue between past and present.

Ex-Hacienda Guadalupe is a testament to how architecture can serve as a custodian of culture and tradition while remaining open to new influences and perspectives. Raul Cabra and Michael Sledge have created not just a home but a place for cultural exchange and creativity, where innovation and social engagement find the perfect setting to thrive and grow.

 

>>> Also discover the Boca de Agua Resort, built by Taller Frida Escobedo, in Mexico