Project Name
House in Xalapa
Location
Xalapa VER
Mexico
Area (sqm)
528
Completed
2021
Detailed Information
Project NameHouse in XalapaLocation
Xalapa VER
Mexico
Area (sqm)528
Completed2021

Located in a leafy suburb in Xalapa, a city in east-central Mexico, this family house by Mexico City based architects Lopez Gonzalez Studio stands out amid the lush vegetation in its stark form and charcoal hue. Astutely modern in design, conceived as a monolithic cubic volume punctured by an irregular composition of red-framed windows, the house nevertheless harmoniously integrates into its natural setting, courtesy of its rock-like dark exterior and jagged roof line. Inside, a minimalist aesthetic and muted colour palette allows the verdant views to take centre stage while a spacious courtyard and scenic roof terrace further enhance the property’s connection with nature.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Coupled with the slim, red-hued window frames, the abstract composition of differently sized openings imbues the sombre, dark building volume with a sense of subtle playfulness. Despite the seemingly random configuration, each window has been thoughtfully sized and placed in relation to the interior configuration, daylight requirements and corresponding views that they elegantly frame. As the architects explains, the “windows confuse the threshold that separates interior and exterior, generating an expanding sensation”. Conversely, at night, when the building disappears into the darkness, the geometric matrix of illuminated windows offers glimpses of quotidian bliss.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

In contrast with the house’s exterior, the interior embraces a light colour palette of white-plastered walls and natural wood surfaces, with white-veined black marble flooring constituting the only dark tones. From ceiling beams and wall panelling to both built-in and free-standing furniture, the extensive use of wood imbues the sparsely decorated rooms with warmth despite the minimalist interior design, as well as complements the verdant views and establishes a conversation with the surrounding landscape. Offering a striking contrast to both the wood-swathed interiors and green-rich vistas, the previously mentioned red-hued window frames provide vibrant accents, much like flowers in a meadow, further grounding the house into its lush setting.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

Photography by César Béjar.

A Suburban House in Xalapa, Mexico, by Lopez Gonzalez Studio

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