taller dea incorporates three gardens into airy residence in mexico

mexican architecture firm taller dea renovated and extended a residence to incorporate it into the surrounding landscape, creating an integrated dwelling. located in zapopan, in the mexican state of jalisco, the house took advantage of the region, which boasts a comfortable weather, encouraging users and guests to lounge in the outdoors amidst the lush greenery.

taller dea got tasked with transforming the hermetic, rigid house into a place of contemplation and enjoyment of the landscape. as a guiding principle, the designers wanted to make the gardens the centerpiece and stage the house around them and through them, emphasizing this indoor/outdoor connection. activities that were already happening in the house, as well as those new added to the architectural program, were oriented towards the landscape to create an intimate relationship with the exterior.

the architects added an exterior circulation path that wraps around three gardens, creating an integrated experience with nature. the covered path acts as an elongated terrace connecting different areas of the house and winding through the garden spaces. the new structure also becomes a covered living room in some cases, a narrower circulation corridor in other parts, and the residence’s signature feature.

an organized grid was created and filled with functional spaces, while other areas were left free for contemplation or circulation. alternating between programmatic and open areas to wander around, creates an enjoyable environment and combines a relaxed lifestyle with a functional dwelling.

the architects chose a neutral materiality and geometry for the corridors, terraces, and indoor spaces, to enhance the presence of all three gardens. the light beige flooring contrasts against the darker surface of the house’s structure. the wooden lattice in the ceiling stands out from the dark structure and adds yet another raw texture, bringing everything together and connecting it back to nature.

project info:

project: residential house

architect: taller de diseño exterior y arquitectura (rené caro, jesús lópez)

collaborators: josé antonio díaz karen oaxaca tanamachi daniel rivas jorge carrillo

photography: lorena darquea

area: 240 m2

location: zapopan, jalisco

project date: 2018

construction date: 2018-2019