ring structure of casa girasol channels sunlight amid pine forest in mexico

locus shapes the interiors in Dellekamp + Schleich’s casa girasol

Casa Girasol, designed by architectural practice Dellekamp + Schleich with interiors by Locus, is a vacation home nestled in the pine forests of Valle de Bravo, Mexico. The residence, whose name means Sunflower House, reflects its central aim: to capture sunlight, naturally warming the interior and providing passive insulation against the regional cold, rainy climate. This objective shapes the unique circular form of the structure, an incomplete ring that opens to the south, drawing sunlight in while embracing the surrounding forest landscape. The circular house-patio layout balances openness with privacy, directing views inward to create secluded spaces within the forest environment. 

all images by Rafael Gamo, courtesy of Locus, unless stated otherwise

concrete and timber define the palette of the mexican residence

Built on an uneven, rugged plot in Avándaro, Casa Girasol adapts to its topography with its shape. Mexican Dellekamp + Schleich crafts the base of the structure from earthy-toned, pigmented concrete, rooting it firmly into the landscape, while an oak-beamed roof offers shelter. This contrast of grounded concrete and lighter timber accents defines the material palette in the interior by Locus with elevated windows that draw natural light in. 

designed by architectural practice Dellekamp + Schleich with interiors by Locus | image by Sandra Pereznieto

Casa Girasol is a vacation home nestled in the pine forests of Valle de Bravo, Mexico

the residence, whose name means Sunflower House, reflects its central aim | image by zaickz moz

sunlight warms the interior and provides passive insulation against the regional cold, rainy climate

enjoying views of the forest through large openings | image by Sandra Pereznieto

wooden surfaces add warmth to the interior by Locus

elevated windows draw natural light in

the circular house-patio layout balances openness with privacy

creating secluded spaces within the forest environment

a curved wall leads to the bathroom

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curves add a homey feeling to the interior| image by Sana Frini

earthy-toned, pigmented concrete, roots the residence into the landscape

a circular staircase leads to the second floor

the geometry directs views inward

set within Valle de Bravo’s lush landscape | image by zaickz moz

plan by Locus

Solar Path Equinoxio Iso by Locus

Solar Path Equinoxio Iso by Locus

Solar Path Equinoxio Iso by Locus

project info:

name: Casa Girasol
architect: Dellekamp + Schleich
interior design: Locus | @locus______
location: Valle de Bravo, Mexico

project architects: Derek Dellekamp, Jachen Schleich
project leader: Santiago Sitten
design team: Francisco Franco, Sana Frini
interior design team: Lotus | Sana Frini, Jachen Schleich, Santiago Sitten, Camila Ulloa, Raphael Fenoglio, Arlette Plata, Paulina García; Manada | Alejandro Tapia, Jorge Arteaga, Blanca Arcos

photographers:  Rafael Gamo | @rafael_gamo, Sandra Pereznieto | @spereznieto, zaickz moz | @zaickz.moz

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom