Z House
Casa Z is located on one of the highest hills in Zihuatanejo, on a trapezoidal land with an area of 500 m2. The surface of the land is irregular, the main access being on the upper part of the land. The main concept of the project was to create a minimalist house with rich social spaces where users could enjoy the panoramic views and the climate of the region. Three levels are proposed composed of two volumes that would be staggered to take advantage and respect the topography.
Photography by © Rafael Gamo
The central volume of the house consists of two juxtaposed rectangular volumes composed of twenty-five centimeters thick walls. The upper rectangular volume has the function of master bedroom, this space frames the view and creates the sensation of being flying in the air due the altitude. The street facade uses a double skin façade made up of vertical bamboo, generating privacy and solar protection to the room.
Photography by © Rafael Gamo
The intermediate level of the house has the main function of social area, from this level you can descend to access the terrace and pool area. The infinity pool reflects the panoramic view and ocean on the water successfully giving the sensation of flow.
The architectural piece uses essential materials such as concrete, steel, local limestone and bamboo. This mix of materials and local construction techniques gives the house a strong modern and tropical personality, successfully adapting to its context and being in harmony with nature.
Photography by © Rafael Gamo
Project Info:
Architects: Zozaya Arquitectos
Location: Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Area: 470 m²
Project Year: 2018
Photographs: Rafael Gamo
Manufacturers: Lafarge Holcim, Bosques de Niebla, El Hujal, Helvex, Magg, Natura Pisos, San Luis, Tecnolite, VALVO
Isabelle Laurent is a Built Projects Editor at Arch2O, recognized for her editorial insight and passion for contemporary architecture. She holds a Master’s in Architectural Theory from École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. Before joining Arch2O in 2016, she worked in a Paris-based architectural office and taught as a faculty adjunct at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris. Isabelle focuses on curating projects around sustainability, adaptive reuse, and urban resilience. With a background in design and communication, she brings clarity to complex ideas and plays a key role in shaping Arch2O’s editorial