Zozaya Arquitectos has embedded a monumental architectural work called Casa Acantilado in a coastal cliff in the Mexican state of Guerrero. It faces Zihuatanejo Bay and the open Pacific Ocean, enjoys breezes and sunshine, and has an open and heavy concrete structure.
Aptly named "Cliff House", it sits on a rocky slope, like a steep stone landscape, with a single base interrupted by wide terraces and balconies. It is topped by a lightweight Parra roof that lurks in the grounds and is surrounded by a lush canopy of trees where nests of various bird species can be found.
The building shares features with some of the homes designed by Zozaya Arquitectos in Chihuatanejo Bay. The buildings are a blend of mid-century modernism, 21st-century luxury, and traditional technology and vernacular elements. These qualities work together in the surrounding natural environment and through the use of local materials.
The architects noted that the house is filled with natural sunlight during the day and softly lit at night, acting as a glowing beacon for the fishermen who sail daily in the waters below.
The architects described the ambience of the project: "A staircase leading to a private area leads you along an uncovered concrete wall, allowing you to see the movement of the treetops and feel the exterior while being protected; Finally, experience the infinite Pacific Ocean in the swimming pool contained in the concrete walls. The hall is connected to the rooms, each with its own private terrace, which opens the space for contemplation to the incredible landscape."
- Architect: Zozaya Arquitectos
- Photos: Rafael Gamo
- Words: Gina