Inaugurated in 2022 and designed by Ludwig Godefroy, Casa TO finds its home in La Punta Zicatela, a charming enclave on the Pacific coast celebrated for its mesmerizing golden sunsets. Here, the sea, sand, and cliffs seamlessly blend to paint a captivating landscape. Amidst this scenery, Casa TO emerges as a subtly elegant refuge, its singular architecture providing an immersive sanctuary designed for deep introspection and tranquility.
Casa TO Technical Information
- Architects1-2: Ludwig Godefroy
- Location: Puerto Escondido, Punta Zicatela, Mexico
- Topics: Mexican Houses, Concrete, Circle Series
- Area: 600 m2
- Project Year: 2022
- Photographs: © Jaime Navarro
The design of Casa TO embodies simplicity and understated elegance, merging tradition and modernity within a unique structure that stands serene amidst nature’s tranquility. Casa TO draws architectural inspiration from the timeless lattice patterns of two historic waterworks, marrying aesthetics with functionality within its 600 square meter space.
– Ludwig Godefroy
Casa TO Photographs
Text by the Architects
The design of Casa TO embodies simplicity and understated elegance, merging tradition and modernity within a unique structure that stands serene amidst nature’s tranquility. The name, Casa TO, reflects its purpose as a place of serene contemplation, echoing the spiritual aura of an Oaxacan temple. The structure itself offers a transformative sensory experience from the moment you step inside.
Casa TO draws architectural inspiration from the timeless lattice patterns of two historic waterworks – the 6th-century Basilica Cistern, or Yerebatan Sarayi, in Istanbul, and the 19th-century Hornsey Wood Reservoir in London’s Finsbury Park.
The design prioritizes privacy without sacrificing openness. Interior vistas create a sanctuary framed by the sky, robust walls, and lush greenery, including climbing vines and banana and passion fruit trees. Spanning 600 square meters, designer Godefroy marries aesthetics with functionality, highlighting the raw textures of materials such as concrete, steel, clay, and wood.
The interior design of Casa TO is a tribute to its natural surroundings, drawing inspiration from the distinctive hue of a blue Madagascar palm tree—Bismarckia nobilis—that grace the property. The color palette blends the natural tones of concrete and stainless steel with splashes of turquoise found in ironwork, lamps by Natural Urbano Studio, and selected decorative pieces. This is complemented by accents of yellow, blue, and green within the glassware and textiles from Vivenda, Alfredo Orozco’s Experimental Textile Workshop, and the TallerOcho rugs.
The furniture at Casa TO exudes simplicity and refinement. Expert cabinetmakers from Puebla, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca have crafted each piece, with bamboo designs by Tiago Solís Van Beuren adding to the texture and character of the spaces. These unique creations, showcasing the rich craftsmanship and ingenuity of local artisans, are available for purchase by guests under a fair-trade scheme, enabling them to incorporate a piece of this exceptional experience into their everyday life.
Casa TO Plans
Casa TO Image Gallery
About Ludwig Godefroy
Ludwig Godefroy is a French architect known for his work in Mexico. He gained recognition for his unique architectural style, often combining traditional elements with modern design principles. Bold geometric forms, strong connections to nature, and local materials and craftsmanship integration characterize Godefroy’s creations. His projects often exhibit a harmonious blend of cultural influences, paying homage to both his European roots and the rich architectural history of Mexico.
