The architects at Garrido Lizarraga Arquitectos have created Casa Zen, a concrete house that seamlessly integrates a family home and a yoga studio. This innovative design features expansive windows that link the living spaces to their surroundings, allowing natural light and offering panoramic views of the landscape. The structure is characterized by exposed concrete, polished cement floors, and black-framed windows, which together create a peaceful atmosphere that showcases nature as the main feature.
A central double-height space forms the heart of Casa Zen
To address the family’s desire to preserve the existing trees on the property, the architects designed a layout that wraps around these natural assets. Spaces are carefully arranged to maintain a connection between the house and its surroundings. A tall, double-height portico serves as the main entrance to the house, while a more intimate portico leads to the yoga studio, distinguishing the two areas with a subtle touch.
Inside Casa Zen, the architects have incorporated a central double-height space crossed by a curved bridge. This bridge links the dining room and kitchen with the first floor, connecting the family room with the bedrooms. The central area becomes the heart of the home, fostering interaction and offering glimpses into the residence’s design through shifts in light, shadow, and varying heights.
The simplicity of Casa Zen allows the trees and light to make their mark on the space
By preserving 45 endemic trees on the site, the architects at Garrido Lizarraga Arquitectos were able to reduce the temperature on the property while also helping to sustain local wildlife. The house’s design subtly showcases nature’s presence through shifts in light and shadow, turning the walls into a canvas for the surroundings. Overall, Casa Zen is an innovative example of how architecture can blend seamlessly with its natural environment.
Source: Design Boom