manuel cervantes estudio realizes white ceramic house with jacaranda garden in mexico

manuel cervantes estudio has built a private residence situated in amatepec, mexico city. the white ceramic house settles on a narrow site close to a ravine, providing a distinct topography for the residential project. given these specific property characteristics, the architects aimed to create an overall well-lit living environment, closely connected to the surrounding nature. 

all images by rafael gamo

the main access to the house by manuel cervantes estudio, is made through an almost blind volume lined with white ceramic material. the different formations that complete the dwelling, along with the vegetation of the site, create an interesting game between light and shadow. using an existing jacaranda as the central core of the aromatic garden, the pedestrian entrance to the ground floor is generated. this access is located at 1.5 meters from the sidewalk level, so that the volume does not stand out, respecting the local topography. 

the program consists of three ground floor volumes that integrate a common social area with a living room and dining room. this spatial combination serves as a multipurpose space that allows coexistence with the different green areas of the exterior. a separate volume houses the kitchen which has the option (given the preference of the resident) to become two areas of simultaneous use. this volume also includes the study, connecting to the kitchen through a corridor that is articulated with the different planted zones. 

on the upper floor, a hallway connects with a family room overlooking the jacaranda and the main garden, two bedrooms overlooking the central garden, and two bedrooms overlooking the ravine. at the top of the corridor, an opening emerges, separating this volume by generating an entrance of light benefitting the interior space. the project reflects a combination of overlapping volumes lined each one with the ceramic material, creating an enclosure that opens to the outside.

project info:

name: housing in amatepec
architecture office: manuel cervantes estudio
architects: manuel cervantes céspedes, mariloly rodríguez
construction: grupo inmobiliario hermon 
landscape architect: entorno, taller de paisaje 
location: mexico city

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom