luciano gerbilsky arquitectos completes 1,200-square-meter river house in mexico

designed by luciano gerbilsky arquitectos, river house is a 1,200-square-meter residential property located in a wooded area of valle de bravo, mexico. the project has been divided into two spaces — one private and one open divided by a river that starts at the main entrance and surrounds the entire house. a steel and glass bridge connects the two volumes and allows views of the natural surroundings and of the architecture of the house.

images by héctor velazco facio/josé margaleff

river house by luciano gerbilsky arquitectos features a steel framing that allows for wide areas with large windows and double-height ceilings. its dark grey tones, mahogany wood and surrounding vegetation — including the river — make this house feel like it’s part of nature. its architectural language, created from layers of different materials, blend the structure in the scenery: earth-tone coating stones are used for the façade, glazed tiles on the ceiling, alamo wood on window frames and railings, as well as black aluminum frames. with this, the hard elements like volcanic rock and concrete are softened.

river house is composed of several volumes, with slanted ceilings that meet at a central point. the highest area is the one containing three levels that harbor private bedrooms and private family areas. the second volume features two high ceiling levels containing the social and service areas. the interior living and dining room beside the exterior living and dining areas lead to a terrace that allows connecting with the outdoor. the pool alongside the social area makes a transition between the house and the exterior landscape.

the luxurious project also houses an underground 400-bottle-capacity wine cellar with ideal lighting and temperature. next to it, the underground high-tech multimedia room is the perfect place to unwind and relax. an exterior kitchen worthy of the best chefs in the world can be found on the terrace, with a stone oven, viking grill, and a teppanyaki iron facing a dining table for 14, lounge areas, pool, and gas chimney. alongside the river sits a jacuzzi next to a fire pit, surrounded by comfy chairs wrapped in warm sheep’s skin.

project info:

name: river house
author: luciano gerbilsky arquitectos
location: valle de bravo, mexico
square meters: 1,200
date: march 2018
photographers: héctor velazco facio/josé margaleff