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Project Details:

Location: Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico, Mexico

Architect: Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados / @perez_palacios_aa

Footprint: 6,943 square feet

From the Architect: “Zarzales is a vacation home located in Valle de Bravo, whosearchitecture, simple and pure, gives the prominence it deserves tothe surrounding nature.

“With an area of645 square meters, the residence uses light as a keydesign element. Its spaces are ideal for living connected with thenatural environment. The pine trees around the perimeter allow theproject to be lost in the surroundings and during the design process,it was important to ensure their conservation. The pines gave thelocation to the twovolumes,and, in addition, they generated aterrace with perforations to preserve these trees that contribute somuch to the project.

“We decided to design two volumes, the first is the social area thatgathers the inhabitants or visitors, and the second, the privatearea, is intended for rest. The social area is divided into two: theclosed part of TV and services; and an open area where the diningroom, the semi-open kitchen, and a covered terrace with twotransparent faces are located. Also, there is an outdoor terracearea with Jacuzzi and swimming pool, this space invites contemplationand the multisensory enjoyment of colors, temperature, sounds, andaromas of the forest.

“The gabled roof with walls in a natural paste finish simulates thetones of the tree bark and blends discreetly with the surroundingforest. This roof generates a play of light and very pleasantshadows. The construction is made with gabled roofs, dueto theconstant rains in the area. In the rest of the house, the predominantmaterials are natural wood and washed concrete.

“With amply lit spaces, no space has truly feel interior, causing theboundary between inside and outside to virtually disappear. The pureand clean architecture of Casa Zarzales gives it a strong connectionwith nature and makes it timeless.”

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