Two stone and concrete volumes at Casa Bedolla appear to float in the mountainous terrain of Nuevo León in Mexico. Designed by P+0 Arquitectura the project was a balancing act, understanding how to build in a complex topography peppered with large cedar and oak trees on the edge of a ravine.
The house is sectioned in two, with a central courtyard space in between that serves as an entrance, a sheltered terrace and a pathway through towards an oak forest. Connected by a concrete staircase, the two volumes set across two levels appear to slot sturdily into the existing landscape.
Concrete slabs enabled the architects to engineer the house, supporting the cantilvering and providing support for the two stone ‘boxes’. The stone walls are perforated to naturally ventilate the house, and bring light and views into the interior. The concrete slabs morphe in function as they extend away from the house, moving from supportive structure to house a garage, a terrace to the west, while one roof becomes a solarium.
The design combines local construction techniques with modernism and nature. The stone is sourced from the mountains that surround the house while the slatted wooden roofs that rest on the stone walls draw from the traditional vernacular. The same polished timber has been used for the decks and mezzanine floorings, bringing warmth to the exposed concrete.
Beyond the material, the house is very much an open canvas. While the two volumes take on different identities, one as a social space, and one as a private space, they are both open plan and feature floor-to-ceiling glazing that ‘dissolves' into the walls. Furniture and personality defines how the spaces will be used.
With its wide openings and outdoor space, the house design allows each space to have its own relationship with the immediate vegetation and landscape beyond – a harmony between architecture, landscape and inhabitants.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the P+0 Arquitectura website
-
Sarah Solis’ first furniture collection is an homage to art deco‘Is it weird to call furniture sexy?’ Los Angeles-based designer Sarah Solis discusses her debut furniture line and new brand and store, Galerie Solis
-
‘Very Roman, very Bulgari’: Mary Katrantzou on the ancient roots of her opulent first accessories collection for BulgariGreek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou, Bulgari’s new creative director of leather goods and accessories, breaks down her debut ‘Calla’ collection for Wallpaper*
-
First look: Western Mongolia meets Kew Gardens in John Pawson and Oyuna Tserendorj’s cashmere throwsArchitectural designer John Pawson and cashmere designer Oyuna Tserendor have collaborated on a cashmere throw collection inspired by Pawson’s 70m Lake Crossing in the Royal Botanical Gardens
-
An Oaxacan retreat offers a new take on the Mexican region's architectureThis Oaxacan retreat, Casa Caimán by Mexican practice Bloqe Arquitectura, is a dreamy beachside complex on the Pacific coast
-
Take a plunge at Brandílera House on the Mexican Pacific CoastBrandílera House by Manuel Cervantes Estudio is a Mexican Pacific Coast retreat making the most of its views and green site
-
Step inside Quinto Sol house, a verdant oasis in Mexico's Pacific CoastQuinto Sol house by architect Cristina Grappin blends indoors and outdoors in a masterful architectural composition in the Mexican countryside
-
Remembering Alexandros Tombazis (1939-2024), and the Metabolist architecture of this 1970s eco-pioneerBack in September 2010 (W*138), we explored the legacy and history of Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis, who this month celebrates his 80th birthday.
-
Lucha Libre and modernist architecture meet in Mexican short film ‘El Luchador’‘El Luchador’ blends Lucha Libre and architecture, in a Mexican short film set in Agustín Hernández Navarro's modernist home Casa Praxis in Mexico City
-
Mexico’s Amelia Tulum is where ‘the architecture becomes part of the jungle’Amelia Tulum by Sordo Madaleno combines a human-centred approach and lots of greenery to craft a Mexican residential community like no other
-
Scenic Garden offers architectural pavilions and a new green lung for Mexico CityScenic Garden, designed by Michan Architecture and a team of collaborators, adds green infrastructure to Mexico City's bustling urban experience
-
Sun-drenched Los Angeles houses: modernism to minimalismFrom modernist residences to riveting renovations and new-build contemporary homes, we tour some of the finest Los Angeles houses under the Californian sun
