zozaya arquitectos' 'casa mateo' is a pacific oasis in mexico

a house interwoven with terraced pools

Zozaya Arquitectos designs its Casa Mateo as a celebration of its coastal and tropical site in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Sited atop one of the highest points of the Punta Garrobo development, the house integrates into the sloping landscape and opens out toward views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the jungle cliffs to the east. The architecture interweaves exterior terraces and serene pools of water, footpaths, and a sunken conversation pit. The design team thus emphasizes a daily connection with nature to create a daily oasis.

images © Cesar Belio | @cesarbelio

casa mateo is divided between two blocks

The design team at Zozaya Arquitectos sites its Casa Mateo within a small clearing in the lush, cliffside jungle. As such, the house is accessed by a steeply drive that winds its way up the hillside. Overall the dwelling is divided into two volumes. Upon entry, occupants ascend a stairway between these two stone blocks and are ultimately greeted by the central courtyard with its mirrored water feature and stunning views of the ocean and jungle.

The two geometries are organized between the home’s private and social spaces — with one hosting three bedroom suites and the other containing the kitchen, living and dining areas, which open onto a pergola terrace. This second block houses the master bedroom suite which opens directly out to the infinity pool and ocean views with its full-height wall of sliding glass.

the design by zozaya arquitectos

Zozaya Arquitectos builds the primary structure of its Casa Mateo from concrete and masonry, with additional details of local stone and steel. The warmth of Parota wood is evident, creating an atmosphere of gray and coffee tones which blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

With interiors that open widely in both directions, the architecture is passively cooled through cross ventilation, in order to accommodate the beach environment. In order to reduce paved surfaces and harmonize with the native vegetation, the team installs green roofs. Furthermore, the house is designed with its own sewage and greywater treatment plant, allowing for reuse and reduced environmental impact.

the house is divided between two volumes
terraced courtyards and pools weave through the architecture

the home gazes out toward the Pacific Ocean through the trees below

the two blocks are organized between the private and social spaces

1/12

roof plan

basement plan

ground floor plan

elevations

elevations, sections

sections

project info:

project title: Casa Mateo

architecture: Zozaya Arquitectos | @zozaya_arquitectos

location: Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico

lead architect: Daniel Zozaya Valdés
design team: Enrique Zozaya, Saddam Otero, Jesus Lopez, Luis Alonso, José Antonio Vázquez, Ana Karen Cadena

built area: 488 square meters

completion: 2022

kat barandy I designboom

feb 12, 2023