handcrafted casa VA by omar lópez bautista embraces the natural landscape of oaxaca

Omar López Bautista makes the most out of Oaxaca’s landscape

For Casa VA, architect Omar López Bautista addresses the challenges of a steep plot with limited access in the historic downtown area of Oaxaca, Mexico. Situated on the slope of Cerro del Fortín, the entire project is completed manually, without the use of heavy machinery. The resulting structure presents a geometric design with two distinct living spaces —an apartment and a house— embracing the natural landscape and highlighting the surrounding huajes trees, intrinsic to the local identity. City and mountain views become the focal point of Casa VA, with strict adherence to cultural heritage regulations and incorporating local materials and hues.

all images by Omar López Bautista, unless stated otherwise | header image by Marcos Rojas Sosa

casa va spotlights functionality and city views

The architect completes Casa VA with two upper floors and a basement, strategically accommodating various functions. The main entrance leads to a lobby, which allows access to the apartment, while a stone staircase leads to the residence’s core. Omar López Bautista chose apparent concrete as the main material for the apartment where a kitchen-dining area and bedroom with city views take center stage. Meanwhile, the apartment’s basement houses the dining area and bathroom; here, Bautista divides and opens the retaining wall at the bottom of the land, making it habitable. Above, the main dwelling combines vibrant colors with exposed materials, featuring a spacious double-height living-dining room, with its exposed structure ceiling and panoramic windows, a master bedroom, a dressing room, and a private terrace.

floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the surroundings

construction challenges and dedicated craftsmanship

The originally inaccessible location of Casa VA presented logistical challenges, making the use of heavy machinery impossible. Every aspect, from excavation to material transport, demanded manual labor. Despite these challenges, Omar López Bautista’s craftsmanship and determination have led to a thoughtful utilization of space and precise geometry that feel organically woven into the landscape of Oaxaca. Amidst the physical exertion and construction complexities, the feeling of a sanctuary takes over, with the surrounding views play a leading part.

the geometric design adheres to cultural heritage regulations

entrance to the apartment’s basement level

apartment’s kitchen-dining room at the basement level

Casa VA is a living expression of physical effort and an example of the quality of the builders’ work

the main body of the house hosts a double-height space living-dining room

the large windows allow ample natural light to enter the living room space

Casa VA’s interior is characterized by the use of apparent concrete

the main dwelling combines vibrant colors with exposed materials

wooden staircase in the main residence

master room at first level of the residence

project info:

name: Casa VA
architect: Omar López Bautista, ET.co | @et.co.arq 

construction: Alfredo Cruz 
drawings: Aldo Cervantes
structure: Miguel Ángel Torres


location: Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, México
area: 165 sqm (1776.05 sqft) 
completion date: 2023 
photographers: Omar López Bautista, Marcos Rojas Sosa, Alfredo Ortiz

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