Casa Roja (Red House) was crafted to embody the essence of its surroundings in the Oaxacan residential area of Bahías de Huatulco, located along Mexico‘s picturesque west coast. The striking hue of its pigmented concrete walls, which inspired its name, pays homage to the warm, reddish shades found in the region’s traditional ceramics. This vibrant color serves as a visual connection to the local culture and landscape.
Architect Angel Garcia, the visionary behind this unique home, aimed to encapsulate the ‘identity of its place’ through his design. He described Casa Roja as a project that explores and seeks an architectural identity, one that reinterprets the memories and daily routines of the family residing there. The design integrates cherished objects, furniture, and crafts collected over the years, while also utilizing local construction materials like clay bricks, ironwork, and shutters to further express the essence of the region.
The challenge of the site, which lacks sea views and is bordered by four other properties and a bustling street, did not deter Garcia. Instead, he embraced the challenge, rolling up his sleeves to create a harmonious composition of spaces that intricately blend indoor and outdoor living. This thoughtful layout fosters a seamless connection with nature, allowing the home to breathe and flourish.
Three existing trees on the property—a majestic alejo (Piscidia Carthagenensis), a young guayacán adorned with purple flowers (Guaiacum coulteri), and a cuahulote (Guazuma ulmifolia)—play a crucial role in defining the outdoor areas. Garcia enhanced these natural elements with strategically placed planters and water features, further enriching the connection to the outdoors.
Living in Casa Roja offers an experience that feels both open and airy, deeply intertwined with nature. The careful arrangement of greenery and the orientation of the home’s volumes ensure that privacy is maintained for its residents—a couple, their eldest son, and occasional guests—each enjoying their own discreet ‘wing’ within this beautifully designed sanctuary.
The outcome may seem strikingly minimalist and elegantly balanced. Yet, the architect emphasizes that this aesthetic was not a deliberate choice; instead, it emerged organically from his thorough, site-specific research.
Garcia elaborates: “The house aspires to complexity, embracing artisan traditions, the exploration of curves, the intricate paths of a labyrinth, a collage of textures and natural materials, the layering of elements, the playful presence of vegetation, the modulation of natural light, and, most importantly, it strives to embody the warmth of home, domesticity, and the unique identity of the family residing within.”