A weave of light and shadows between exposed concrete and austere geometries is the hallmark of the enigmatic architecture that Lucio Muniain et al designed among the hills of a golf course in San Luis Potosí: the HMZ House, with its brutalist echoes. On the outside, the volume alternates solids and voids, projecting elements and empty shapes crossed by light. Light that becomes a fundamental element as it establishes a relationship with architecture, enhancing its boundaries and sometimes redesigning it. A series of irregular battlements makes this dwelling resemble a contemporary fortress, strong yet welcoming, overlooking the Mexican landscape.
Brutalist echoes in a house-sculpture on a Mexican hillside
Severe geometries, exposed concrete, dramatic chiaroscuro: Lucio Muniain et al design an apparent fortress, actually welcoming and inviting exploration.
Foto Edmund Sumner
Foto Edmund Sumner
Foto Edmund Sumner
Foto Edmund Sumner
Foto Edmund Sumner
Foto Edmund Sumner
Foto Edmund Sumner
Foto Edmund Sumner
Foto Edmund Sumner
Foto Edmund Sumner
Foto Edmund Sumner
Foto Edmund Sumner
Foto Edmund Sumner
Courtesy Lucio Muniain et al
Courtesy Lucio Muniain et al
Courtesy Lucio Muniain et al
Courtesy Lucio Muniain et al
Foto Edmund Sumner
View Article details
- Francesca Grillo
- 07 March 2024
- San Luis Potosì, Mexico
- Lucio Muniain et al
- 800 sqm
- Private residence
- 2023
The double-level living spaces, spread over 800 square metres, lead thorugh a landscape of expanding heights and spaces, and mutating shadows. The interiors, also in concrete, are embellished with travertine marble, wood, glass and black steel – the latter used for the staircase. The skylights, finally, play an important role, designed to encourage zenithal light and dynamism into the interior. The house boasts changing spaces, shaped to be explored. “In the case of HMZ House, our aim was to create more than just rooms and bathrooms”, explain the designers. “We created a space that tells a story, with a fluid and carefully designed pathway connecting the areas”.
- Lucio Muniain, Juan Carlos García, Gustavo Morales, Michel Hernández, Ignacio Balvanera, José Luis Arroyo
- Juan Carlos García, Michel Hernández, Gustavo Morales
- José Alfredo Blanco
Ground floor plan
First floor plan
Section
Section
Section.