Domestico Estudio designed a double-gabled house clad in gray brick in a way that preserves the surrounding forest in Hidalgo, Mexico.
Known as the Madí House, this 2,200-square-foot (205-square-meter) home was built in 2022.
“The house is located in the foothills surrounding Huasca de Ocampo, in the state of Hidalgo, and one of the primary requirements of the project was to preserve most of the pre-existing forest on the site, thus locating the house in the most free space and with the least environmental impact,” the Mexico City-based Domestico Estudio team told Dezeen.
“The required spaces were arranged based on the appropriate orientation according to the footprint which was mainly defined by the larger trees.”
Chosen for its thermal properties in mountain climates, the house is clad in brick in shades ranging from grey to black.
The choice succeeded in “blending the colour of the forest with the historical context of the mining area, with the farms and landscape having similar colour and texture.”
The use of brick allowed for different treatments across the seven facades, which located windows and doors according to the interior program and views of the surrounding forest, rather than having to follow a more rigid physical framework.
“As such, the design began by exploring the integration of different exterior shapes and colours that were able to blend with their immediate surroundings, keeping in mind that the priority was to achieve proper integration with the forest and the terrain,” the team said.
“Silence and contemplation were the conceptual axes of this project, which were integrated into its context in a comprehensive and discreet manner.”
Using a hybrid design between a multigenerational home and a retirement home, the four-bedroom residence sits on a trapezoidal hill.
The stepped levels soften the slope with the private parts of the program on the hill, which transition down to the public areas. The program consists of two connected T-shaped volumes.
The two-story building, which runs northeast to southwest, contains sleeping quarters with wings at either end of each floor. An atrium-like central core contains an elegant wooden staircase, lit by a second-floor window. Residents can walk under the staircase to a small office space overlooking the forest.
The one-storey portion, which runs from northwest to southeast, includes the public areas of the house, and the living, dining and kitchen areas are lined with a large terrace with natural wood columns.
Sliding glass and French doors are on either side of the dining room, bringing light and air into the center of the plan.
While the exterior of the building is mostly dark in color, the interiors are light with neutral-colored walls and light wood details.
However, the wall connecting the two bars features bold charcoal-coloured brick, and a black metal fireplace floats freely between the living room and dining room.
“The 16.80-meter-long, 4.20-meter-wide spatial structural modification is the result of analyzing the distance of trees on the terrain,” the studio said.
“This made it possible to modify the spaces in parts of those measurements to achieve the minimum dimensions for comfort and operation, as well as giving flexibility to the house.”
Moises Sanchez uses local building methods to build a cube-shaped Mexican home.
Moving from the main terrace, steps continue down to a covered patio area and pool deck, while a series of rectangular stepping stones descend the hillside.
In order to make the house as autonomous as possible and reduce its regional environmental impact, the team incorporated a rainwater recovery, filtration and purification system.
Its location in the forest will allow the annual rainfall to supply the house with water for the rainy season and for several other months each year.
Other recently built homes in the Mexican jungle include the multi-building Estudio Atemporal in Valle de Bravo and the hotel-style courtyard house designed by Herchell Arquitectos in Jalisco.
Photography by Zaickz Moz.
Project credits:
Architects in charge: Carlos Nunez, Fernanda Quintana, Guillem Vilanova, Elisa Herrera and Andres Silorio
