Contemporary architecture is increasingly seeking ways to integrate buildings with their natural surroundings, creating spaces that both respect the environment and respond to the needs of the occupants. A prime example of this approach is Casa Cono, a house designed by Estudio Atemporal for a young couple who wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. Set in the heart of the Mexican forest, this unique project combines residential and recreational functions to offer an extraordinary space for living in harmony with nature.
Design inspired by the environment
Casa Cono is a true ode to nature. The design of the building has been adapted to the terrain of the site, keeping each tree as an integral part of the composition. The architects opted for a harmony in which nature plays a central role and the building becomes a complement to it.
The structure of the house consists of two rectangular volumes, deftly superimposed and rotated, which creates a dynamic geometric play. This arrangement not only adds variety to the aesthetics, but also naturally organises the space on two levels. Each of the volumes is designed to maximise views, allowing the interior to be optimally integrated with the surroundings.
Transparency and light
The predominantly glazed facades lend lightness to the structure, allowing the interior to be deeply integrated into the forest. The large windows, which act as portals to the outside world, invite one to contemplate the changing play of light, wind and the sounds of nature. It is the symphony of the forest that becomes one of the key elements enriching the experience of being in Casa Cono.
Division of space
The house was designed with a clear functional division. The ground floor is dedicated to communal spaces, separated by a covered patio leading to the entrance. On one side is an office, ideal for remote working, while on the other is the living area, combining the living room, dining room and kitchen in an open space.
A spiral staircase leads to the first floor, which acts as a vertical link between the two main volumes. The first floor is the private zone, where the bedrooms are located. Through the use of warmer materials and smaller spatial scales, the upper floor offers a cosier atmosphere, ideal for relaxation.
Body structure
From the access side, the house appears as a light structure, gently resting on the ground. A path leading from the jacuzzi pool through the landscape rises towards the highest point of the site, where the entrance to the building is located. Upon crossing the threshold, visitors are greeted by an impressive view, reminiscent of an observation deck – a space that immediately invites one to admire the surroundings.
Casa Cono is not only a house, but also a manifesto of architectural sensitivity to the environmental context. The design combines functionality with aesthetics, creating a place that is conducive to relaxation, work and contemplation. It is a space where harmony between man and nature becomes an everyday reality, and every detail of the building serves to highlight the beauty of the surrounding forest.
Project: Estudio Atemporal
Year of construction: 2022
Location: San Simón el Alto, Mexico
Area: 180 sq m.
Photos: LGM Studio
Also read: single-family house | Modernism | Mexico | elevation | whiteMAD on Instagram
