House Roja, A good project should always be one with the user. In order to develop the architectural program, we start by understanding the client, their needs, tastes, and interests. House Roja is a project designed for a man who alternates his residence between his hometown (El Grullo) and abroad, where he develops professionally. For this reason, a place was envisioned that is truly pleasurable to be in after a long period of work away from loved ones, a place equipped with communal spaces in such a way that even on the stairs, one feels inclined to stop and chat.
© Ernesto Gutiérrez
The project was developed on a misaligned corner lot. To address this misalignment, the concept was divided into two blocks. The first is oriented towards sharing. On the ground floor, it contains a living room, kitchen, and dining area in a fluid space where boundaries blur, inviting integration among the occupants.
© Ernesto Gutiérrez
The upper floor is 100% terrace; you will never have to limit the number of guests. There, we take advantage of the privileged view towards Chiautempan park and one of the region’s best landmarks, its hills, which change with each season, offering us different emotions over time. The second block, the private habitat, houses 3 bedrooms, with 3 bathrooms, two of which are private, and a master bedroom where we again take advantage of the exceptional urban and natural view.
North Elevation
To maintain the privacy of the space, the entire lower part is enclosed by a solid band that gives a sense of isolation from the outside; just crossing it, we are welcomed by a stunning garden that embraces the entire building block, where the street begins to dematerialize, leading us into a sort of limbo that is merely a prelude to entering the habitat. From this point, one can see its monolithic facades dressed in a tinted mortar that, over time, develops a patina, adding character to the construction.
© Ernesto Gutiérrez
Between the two large monoliths, a completely open funnel-shaped hallway leads us to a distributor that envelops us in a sense of lightness and transparency, starkly contrasting with the building blocks that reflect robustness, protection, and intimacy. All of this is intensified by a “heavy” red on the exterior that transforms to a cloudy white on the interior, creating a harmonious dialogue between the inside and outside, inviting us to introspection, both emotional and architectural. There, seamlessly integrated with the stairs, a bridge allows us to create ethereal distances that can be traversed in just two steps. This work achieves a pure and emotive architectural language, making the return home a delightful experience to savor.
Project Info
Architects: JDR Arquitectos
Country: Mexico, El Grullo
Area: 152 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Ernesto Gutiérrez
Lead Team: Job Daniel Robles
Design Team: Edgar Pimienta, Salvador Alfas, Karla Carranza
Text: Kopakitsy Alenka Huesca Carvajal
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.