casa mika by ASP architects is a two-story residential project in mexico that lives and revolves through its interior courtyards. it is built with local materials in northwestern mexico city and is strategically planned to generate different experiences throughout the project, some intimate and others public, depending on the need.

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images by césa béjar studio, rafael gamo

 

 

in consideration of the rectangular geometry and flat topography of the terrain, with a 16-meter facade towards the street and a depth of 50 meters, ASP architects proposed a layout of two main bodies. this divides the project into public and private areas through the use of voids that give rise to courtyards, each with a specific character. in each of these blocks, the architects designed a series of subtractions and specific openings to generate terraces, green areas, and exterior spaces that connect and are directly related to each one of the interior spaces of the house.

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since the house is located on a busy city avenue, noise played an important factor in the design process. therefore, the first single-level block includes the main access, garage, service quarters, living room, dining room, and kitchen with a discreet volumetry towards the street. the social area features two bodies with greater height, thus generating an acoustic and climatic benefit to the rest of the house.

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the second block of the house was built on two levels and is composed of a living room, a study, and a guest bedroom on the first floor. the upper floor has three bedrooms overlooking the rear garden and central courtyard. on the first floor, a corridor connects the two bodies of the house with a bridge that functions as a transitional element while providing transparency and allowing access to the patios. the housing materials are naturally featured throughout the project. the white clay brick walls and exposed concrete present a neutral contrast, and oak wood was used throughout the interiors, with quarry stone for the courtyards.

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project info:

 

name: mika house

designers : ASP arquitectura sergio portillo

location: mexico city

photograhy: césa béjar studio, rafael gamo

 

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: yasmina karam | designboom