Rancho Mazahua

Some say that working on a family project as an architect can be complicated, but knowing the clients very well can only have positive aspects. Within the Mazahua complex in Avándaro, Valle de Bravo, we designed a country house for three generations of the owning family to enjoy and share in the future. A flat and wooded plot of 1.2 hectares, combined with the family’s desire to feel truly immersed in the forest and in contact with nature, were the two starting points.

Respecting the environment and staying true to the natural color palette and textures of the area led us to use warm tones, stone, and wood. The single-story house intentionally breaks the linear axis with corridors, breaks, and zigzags that culminate with pieces of art, vegetation, water features, views, and strategic light entrances.

In the rear elevations, we wanted to emphasize the sequence of planes. When viewing the house from a side angle, the stepping of the large stone walls gradually reveals what happens behind each plane, inviting exploration and discovery. Despite the house having six bedrooms and the capacity to host up to twenty people, we thought of ways to compartmentalize the spaces so it feels cozy and manageable when hosting only a couple.

Thus, the master bedroom area is very private. The other rooms are highly flexible, allowing, for example, five boys in one room and five girls in another, a couple with babies or older children, single couples, or perhaps older adults. All the rooms have niches designed for each family or group to create their own dynamic. In this way, the house provides privacy while encouraging interaction among all members in the common areas.

We also added a loft that functions as a library and a spacious private area for working or spending the afternoon reading. The terrace and open garden are perfect for the grandparents to sit and watch their grandchildren play. The kitchen has the ability to be closed off or opened up, creating a flexible space where group cooking or informal dining is possible while the entire family mingles and collaborates.