In the picturesque landscape of Valle de Bravo, Estado de México, the architectural firm PPAA has realized a visionary project named Copas. This remarkable residence embodies a profound respect for the natural environment, seamlessly integrating its design with the lush treetops and undulating terrain that define the locale.
Copas Residence Technical Information
- Architects1: PPAA
- Location: Valle de Bravo, Estado de México, México
- Topics: Architecture in the Forest
- Area: 964 m2
- Completion Year: 2023
- Photographs: © Rory Gardiner (@arorygardiner), © Luis Garvan (@luisgarvan)
The main intention was to create an open upper floor that connects directly with the surrounding treetops, elements that give the essence to the project and create the atmospheres and views throughout the house.
– PPAA Architects
Copas Residence Photographs
Embracing the Natural Topography
Copas is an example of how architecture can harmonize with nature rather than dominate it. The design team, led by Pablo Pérez Palacios, Emilio Calvo, Miguel Vargas, Andrés Domínguez, Nancy Estévez, Sergio Delgado, and Adán García, approached the project with the intent to disturb the site minimally. The residence gracefully absorbs the natural slope, requiring minimal excavation and thus preserving the integrity of the land.
One of Copas’s standout features is its elevated public spaces. By raising these areas a level above the ground, the architects have created a unique vantage point that immerses residents in the surrounding treetops. This elevation introduces a series of platforms, each offering diverse ways to engage with nature, whether it be for relaxation, social gatherings, or quiet contemplation. The open upper floor directly connects with the canopy, allowing for an uninterrupted visual and sensory experience with the forest.
In contrast to the elevated public areas, the ground floor of Copas is dedicated to private quarters. The bedrooms are designed to provide tranquility and seclusion, essential for restful living. This thoughtful layout ensures that while the upper levels celebrate openness and connection, the lower levels offer a retreat from the world, underscoring the residence’s duality of exposure and intimacy.
The conceptual journey through Copas is akin to climbing a mountain. As one ascends through the house, the unfolding views become increasingly breathtaking, mirroring the experience of reaching a mountain summit. This metaphorical climb enriches the architectural narrative, making the act of moving through the space a transformative experience.
Copas Residence Plans
Copas Residence Image Gallery
About PPAA
Founded in 2018 by Pablo Pérez Palacios, PPAA is an independent practice dedicated to a broad spectrum of projects, including architecture, art, planning, urban design, and interior design. Pablo Pérez Palacios, an alumnus of Universidad Iberoamericana and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Barcelona, also holds a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Team: Pablo Pérez Palacios, Emilio Calvo, Miguel Vargas, Andrés Domínguez, Nancy Estévez, Sergio Delgado, Adán García
