GLR arquitectos / Gilberto L. Rodríguez

Extension: 1,900 M2

Architect: Gilberto L. Rodríguez

Project Team: Emmanuel Soto, Raúl Torres, Rafael Návar, Pamela Díaz de León, Oscar O Farrill,Gaby Gutiérrez,David Alatorre

Photography: Jorge Taboada

Description

A property of great dimensions and a steep slope, grants us unmatched potential views towards the north of the city. A grand golf club in the foreground as well as other green areas of the city, are topped by the majestic “Cerro de Las Mitras”, a distinctive mitre-shaped mountain. The residential scheme is resolved in a linear way on its three levels, ensuring all areas of the house enjoy the previously described views.

On the top floor, at sidewalk level, social areas such as a foyer, library, guest living and dining, as well as a large terrace, take place. On this level there’s also a large garage for six cars, a large family room with a breakfast table, kitchen and laundry room. The middle floor holds a large master bedroom in addition to four spacious bedrooms for two boys and two girls with their corresponding jack and jill bathrooms. A small family room and an area destined for study are also located on this floor. Finally, one story below, the house’s program is completed with a large play room equipped with home-theater system, wine cellar, gym, bar and, covered terrace, as well as two complete bathrooms that serve the swimming pool.

In the exterior, said swimming pool merges with a water mirror that welcomes visitors, and is also complemented by a small open pavilion which works as a social area for recreational activities. With outdoor living, dining, bar and barbecue area, this outdoor pavilion is directly linked to the pool and roof garden. It’s worth mentioning this is no conventional roof garden, taking place simultaneously eight meters below street level and twelve meters above the lower street. The creation of this large cantilevered garden, meant a great engineering challenge. The large wall which hides the roof garden’s structure, is completely covered with flagstone in order to blend in with the mountain’s natural cut.

Regarding the material palette for the house itself, white flattened walls, wood, Mirasema stone, glass walls and various elements of exposed steel were chosen. In the interior the materials that prevail are Santo Tomas marble and natural walnut wood. Due to the size of the house there are four vertical circulation options: the main staircase and an elevator for daily use; an outdoor path, made up of landscape steps and bodies of water that connect the guest entrance to the pool and garden area; and finally a large spiral staircase that descends from the service area on the top floor to the garden.