cca blends an earthy concrete home into its arid surroundings in mexico

mexico city based firm cca presents ‘casa moulat’, a single family residence that merges within an arid and protected landscape. located in a residential area in tepeji del rio, mexico, the house adapts itself to the site’s condition and uses local materials. the architects emphasize the use of colored concrete, and created a unique earthy hue on the walls that references the region’s soil and matches the warm tones of the sunset. the project explores the duality of open and closed spaces, welcoming the outdoors in.

all images ©  luis gallardo / lgm studio

cca’s casa moulat is representative of the mix of contemporary and local materials, such as colored concrete, stone from the region and wood. the project is based on integrating the construction into its natural landscape, and the contrast with the built environment of the surrounding golf course. considering the site’s condition and the program, the house was designed in a horseshoe shape, generating a large open central space. 

the residence unfolds on one level, sitting on a base of carved stone, whose slight differences in altitude respond to the soil’s gentle slope. the residence’s interiors are adapted to the site’s topography, revealing the foundation as a skirting board that varies in height. above the foundation, two volumes made of earth-colored concrete rise up, hosting the private spaces. 

both volumes are connected by two large concrete beams that support the visible wooden structure of the double pitched roof. the main space beneath this element is completely open through the large windows windows, turning the living area into a covered terrace that creates a link between the inside and outside. 

a lofted atrium is nestled within the roof’s gable, hiding the kitchen underneath it. this provides a strong contrast with the black furnish and the material palette. the main feature of the project is achieved with the collaboration with local suppliers and craftsmen, obtaining a unique color for the concrete walls, that place cca’s casa moulat as an artistically vernacular project.

project info:

firm name: cca | centro de colaboración arquitectónica.

architects in charge: bernardo quinzaños, ignacio urquiza.

collaborators: eduardo de la cruz, jennifer lamadrid, claudia gómez farías, francisco gallástegui.

structures: ricardo camacho.

engineering: ángel baltazar, carlos arellano.

construction: cca, santiago vélez and xavier estévez.

year: 2017

area: 608 sqm

location: tepeji del río, hidalgo, mexico.

photography: luis gallardo / lgm studio.

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: cristina gomez | designboom