Casa Tiny is a minimalist oasis constructed of concrete and Parota wood situated just a short walk from the sea, in an area of dense vegetation near the surf town of Puerto Escondido, on Mexico’s idyllic Oaxacan coast. One of the first built offerings from young architect Aranza de Ariño, the little beach house is a compact, romantic retreat for two, inspired by American author Henry David Thoreau’s novel Walden. It tells the story of his two-year-long experiment living off-grid in a cabin on Walden Pond.

Happily isolated, the holiday home consists of a kitchen, bathroom, and open mezzanine bedroom, reached by simple alternating tread stairs.

The roof, floor slabs, stairs, and furniture are all built out of concrete, which appears everywhere throughout the house giving it a robust feel. The other main building material is the native Parota wood—a dark honey coloured timber less dense than other exotic hardwoods. This is used for the doors, windows, closets, and shelves. Two concrete terraces extend out from the core, one including the swimming pool and the second a dining terrace.

This beautiful escape—perfect for a couple—is incredibly available on Airbnb including privileged access to the artist residency Casa Wabi, designed by architect Tadao Ando.