DECO35 Villa is conceived as a compact urban retreat that maximizes a narrow, sloping plot in Mexico City through a bold, volumetric composition. The design explores the interplay of solid and void, with cantilevered white planes that seem to float above a grounded base, creating a dynamic relationship between mass and lightness. The house is oriented to capture key views and sunsets, while protecting privacy from the street, resulting in a façade that is simultaneously open and introspective.
The architectural language is distinctly contemporary, defined by clean lines, large glazed surfaces, and a refined combination of materials. Horizontal slabs extend outward to form deep overhangs, emphasizing the villa’s layered composition and producing strong shadows that animate the façade throughout the day. This modern expression is balanced by warm, tactile elements that anchor the building to its natural context.
The villa negotiates a significant topographical difference between street level and the rear of the site. The main access is located at the lower level, where a recessed base integrates vehicle and pedestrian entry while maintaining a controlled, almost sculpted street presence. A linear stair along the side boundary, subtly illuminated, leads residents up through the site and sets the tone for the vertical journey inside.
The program is organized in stacked volumes: a robust, partially buried plinth containing services and parking; a transparent middle level for social and family life; and an upper, more private volume that hosts the bedrooms. Each level is slightly offset, creating strategic cantilevers that generate covered outdoor terraces and enhance the sense of levitation of the upper floors.
The façade is defined by the contrast between smooth white plaster planes, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and a vertical screen of wooden slats. This screen functions both as a brise-soleil and as a warm visual filter, softening the rigor of the geometry and providing depth to the elevation. At night, integrated linear lighting emphasizes these elements, turning the villa into a subtle lantern within the urban fabric.
The ground-level base employs darker, horizontally textured concrete or stone, generating a robust podium that visually supports the lighter upper volumes. Transparent balustrades at terraces preserve unobstructed views while reinforcing the minimalist aesthetic. Interior illumination, visible through the large panes, plays an important role in expressing the internal spatial hierarchy to the exterior.
The interior layout prioritizes fluidity and visual continuity. The living and dining areas on the main level are conceived as an open-plan space aligned with the terrace, extending daily activities outward and accentuating the connection with the landscape. Generous glazing frames the surrounding vegetation and distant skyline, while the extended roof slabs shield interiors from direct sunlight, ensuring comfort.
Vertical circulation is treated as an architectural event rather than a purely functional element. The staircase, visible from the façade, becomes a sculptural feature that guides movement between levels and reinforces the perception of layered planes. Minimalist finishes and integrated lighting highlight the clarity of the structural geometry while maintaining an atmosphere of calm sophistication.
Environmental performance is integral to the project’s conception. The pronounced overhangs and the wooden brise-soleil are designed to reduce solar gain on the most exposed façades, particularly important in Mexico City’s high-altitude climate. These passive shading strategies limit overheating and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling, while still allowing for ample natural daylight.
Cross-ventilation is encouraged through operable windows positioned on opposing façades and along the staircase void, enabling stack effect ventilation and consistent air renewal. The use of durable, low-maintenance materials—such as treated wood, exposed concrete, and high-performance glazing—extends the building’s life cycle and minimizes replacement needs. Landscape strips at the base and on terraces aid in microclimate regulation and offer opportunities for native planting, contributing to biodiversity and a more resilient urban environment.
DECO35 Villa is conceived as a compact urban retreat that maximizes a narrow, sloping plot in Mexico City through a bold, volumetric composition. The design explores the interplay of solid and void, with cantilevered white planes that seem to float above a grounded base, creating a dynamic relationship between mass and lightness. The house is oriented to capture key views and sunsets, while protecting privacy from the street, resulting in a façade that is simultaneously open and introspective.
The architectural language is distinctly contemporary, defined by clean lines, large glazed surfaces, and a refined combination of materials. Horizontal slabs extend outward to form deep overhangs, emphasizing the villa’s layered composition and producing strong shadows that animate the façade throughout the day. This modern expression is balanced by warm, tactile elements that anchor the building to its natural context.
The villa negotiates a significant topographical difference between street level and the rear of the site. The main access is located at the lower level, where a recessed base integrates vehicle and pedestrian entry while maintaining a controlled, almost sculpted street presence. A linear stair along the side boundary, subtly illuminated, leads residents up through the site and sets the tone for the vertical journey inside.
The program is organized in stacked volumes: a robust, partially buried plinth containing services and parking; a transparent middle level for social and family life; and an upper, more private volume that hosts the bedrooms. Each level is slightly offset, creating strategic cantilevers that generate covered outdoor terraces and enhance the sense of levitation of the upper floors.
The façade is defined by the contrast between smooth white plaster planes, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and a vertical screen of wooden slats. This screen functions both as a brise-soleil and as a warm visual filter, softening the rigor of the geometry and providing depth to the elevation. At night, integrated linear lighting emphasizes these elements, turning the villa into a subtle lantern within the urban fabric.
The ground-level base employs darker, horizontally textured concrete or stone, generating a robust podium that visually supports the lighter upper volumes. Transparent balustrades at terraces preserve unobstructed views while reinforcing the minimalist aesthetic. Interior illumination, visible through the large panes, plays an important role in expressing the internal spatial hierarchy to the exterior.
The interior layout prioritizes fluidity and visual continuity. The living and dining areas on the main level are conceived as an open-plan space aligned with the terrace, extending daily activities outward and accentuating the connection with the landscape. Generous glazing frames the surrounding vegetation and distant skyline, while the extended roof slabs shield interiors from direct sunlight, ensuring comfort.
Vertical circulation is treated as an architectural event rather than a purely functional element. The staircase, visible from the façade, becomes a sculptural feature that guides movement between levels and reinforces the perception of layered planes. Minimalist finishes and integrated lighting highlight the clarity of the structural geometry while maintaining an atmosphere of calm sophistication.
Environmental performance is integral to the project’s conception. The pronounced overhangs and the wooden brise-soleil are designed to reduce solar gain on the most exposed façades, particularly important in Mexico City’s high-altitude climate. These passive shading strategies limit overheating and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling, while still allowing for ample natural daylight.
Cross-ventilation is encouraged through operable windows positioned on opposing façades and along the staircase void, enabling stack effect ventilation and consistent air renewal. The use of durable, low-maintenance materials—such as treated wood, exposed concrete, and high-performance glazing—extends the building’s life cycle and minimizes replacement needs. Landscape strips at the base and on terraces aid in microclimate regulation and offer opportunities for native planting, contributing to biodiversity and a more resilient urban environment.
Nuestras oficinas están en Barcelona, Cancún, Chicago y Santo Domingo, pero gracias a la tecnología podemos desarrollar proyectos en cualquier parte del mundo.
Barcelona
Bac de Roda 136
08020, Barcelona
Spain
Madrid
Av. de Buendía 11
19005 Guadalajara (Madrid)
Spain
Chicago
373 Hazel Ave, Apt A1
60022, Glencoe, Illinois
United States