Located on the picturesque slopes of a ravine in Morelia, Mexico, Casa SHI harmoniously blends architecture with nature. Designed by HW Studio, this 440-square-meter (4,730-square-foot) residence, completed in 2023, embodies the philosophy of creating a balance between the natural and the artificial, drawing inspiration from both Baroque and Platonic elements.
SHI House Technical Information
- Architects1-5: HW Studio
- Location: Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
- Topics: Sustainable Architecture
- Area: 440 m2 | 4,736 ft 2
- Completion Year: 2023
- Photographs: © Cesar Béjar
This project is comprised of a vertical element housing the stairs and some horizontal circulations, opting for a stone materiality to become, over time and weather, part of the mountain it nestles upon; and a horizontal white element accommodating the entirety of this house’s program. The stone volume vertically connects the entrance and garages with the rest of the house, which is nestled within this disruptive white, abstract, and even challenging volume that seeks a visual balance between the natural and artificial.
– HW Studio Architects
SHI House Photographs
Architectural Vision
Casa SHI is a striking composition of two contrasting elements: a vertical stone volume and a horizontal white volume. The vertical element, housing the stairs and some horizontal circulations, is constructed from stone, designed to weather and age gracefully, eventually becoming one with the mountain it rests upon. This stone volume serves as the backbone of the house, connecting the entrance and garages with the rest of the home.
The horizontal white volume, in contrast, accommodates the entirety of the home’s program. This abstract, disruptive element aims to achieve a visual equilibrium with its natural surroundings. The design philosophy is reminiscent of Eastern traditions, where placing opposites together enhances the overall experience. Here, the lush, vegetated Baroque mountain meets the sleek, minimalist Platonic volumes of Casa SHI, creating a dynamic visual interplay.
Design and Layout
Casa SHI features a thoughtful layout that balances privacy and openness. The house is strategically closed off from its neighbors by a blind wall, ensuring privacy while opening up towards a golf course and a natural reserve on the other side. This open side is framed horizontally with a continuous floor and roof that spans the length of the living room, dining room, and kitchen, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
A key feature of the design is the use of Engawa, an interior-exterior space surrounding the entire glass surface of the house. This design element diffuses light and fosters a smooth transition between the mountain and the house, enhancing the connection with the natural environment.
Private and Social Spaces
The bedrooms and other private areas of Casa SHI are designed to be secluded, with no external windows. Instead, these spaces receive natural light through a long courtyard, which serves as an intimate family gathering point and connects with the outside world only through the sky. This design choice ensures privacy while still allowing for natural illumination and ventilation.
A long axis culminating in the golf course marks the division between social and private areas. This axis is softened by a slightly curved wall, which serves both as a functional corridor and as a tribute to the three women of the family.
The final part of the house’s slab appears to float lightly above the ground, supported by pilings covered with earth from the excavation. This design choice gives the impression that the white volume of the house is delicately perched on the mountain, blending effortlessly with its surroundings.
SHI House Image Gallery
About HW Studio
HW Studio is a renowned architectural firm based in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico, known for its innovative and context-sensitive designs. Led by visionary architects Rogelio Vallejo Bores and Oscar Didier Ascencio Castro, the studio emphasizes the harmonious integration of modern architecture with natural landscapes. Their projects, characterized by a thoughtful balance of materials and a deep respect for the environment, have earned them a distinguished reputation in the field of sustainable and contemporary architecture.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Lead Architect: Rogelio Vallejo Bores
- Architect: Oscar Didier Ascencio Castro
- Team: Nik Zaret Cervantes Ordaz
- Clients: Marisol Sandoval and Luis de la Puente
- Budget: $500,000.00 USD
