VAN24 House

Location: Mexico

Team:

• Architect: Álvaro Licona

• Project Management: SÁAW

• Construction: SOJIAL

• Photography: Santiago Heyser

Property Details:

• Total Site Area: 173.5 m² (1,868 sq ft)

• Total Floor Area: 320 m² (3,445 sq ft)

Project Overview

Nestled in the hills just north of Mexico City near the Madín Dam, VAN24 House was designed to maximize breathtaking views of the cityscape and the iconic volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl. The stunning surroundings shaped the core of the design concept, creating a home that harmonizes with its environment while offering uninterrupted vistas from every level.

The residence is spread over two and a half levels, strategically arranged to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. The design’s central theme—“a floating house”—is expressed through thoughtful spatial organization and materiality.

Key Design Features

Split-Level Configuration:

The main entrance and living area are located half a level above the street, while the kitchen and dining areas are positioned half a level below, creating a dramatic double-height ceiling. This split-level arrangement ensures unobstructed views throughout the main living spaces.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection:

A four-panel sliding glass door in the living room opens onto a balcony that spans the entire façade. This design choice creates a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces, enhancing the sense of openness and connection to the natural surroundings.

Roof Garden Sanctuary:

The rooftop garden was designed as an urban retreat for family gatherings. Lush greenery and wooden louvers provide privacy while allowing light and air to flow, offering a tranquil escape within the home.

Floating House Concept:

The “floating” aesthetic is achieved through the use of half levels, with the main entrance situated above a covered parking area. The base of the house is clad in a dark slab stone sourced from a nearby quarry, contrasting sharply with the clean white of the upper levels. This interplay of light and shadow renders the stone base nearly invisible, giving the illusion that the house is levitating above the ground.

Material Integration and Local Sourcing:

The selection of locally sourced slab stone for the base grounds the design in its natural context while emphasizing the floating concept. The use of contrasting materials adds depth and texture to the overall aesthetic, celebrating the interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.