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An Unassuming Facade Hides a Large, Modern House in Mexico City

10.02.15 | By
An Unassuming Facade Hides a Large, Modern House in Mexico City

Hidden behind this unassuming facade is U House, designed by Materia Arquitectónica, a 590 square meter (6350 square feet) residence located in the suburbs of Mexico City on a steep lot. The challenge was to create a design that worked with the hills, which led to the simple front exterior that opens up to a much larger house behind the front door.

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The entrance of the house begins on the top floor with the private and social areas built below. Once you enter, you’re led to a bridge that extends from the street through to the back of the house creating a balcony that overlooks the outdoor space below.

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The concrete garage sits to the right of the bridge giving the residents easy access when coming or going.

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The bridge carries visitors to the staircase that connects the levels of the home. The glass panels on two sides provide light for the interior.

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Each landing showcases framed views of the outside world. The stair treads intentionally change in order to slow the person down to make them become more conscious as they move between floors.

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The bedrooms reside on the level below the garage and entry, with the living and dining areas below that. On the partially underground floor, there’s a playroom and access to the yard.

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Photos by Onnis Luque.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.