Casa Colomos is located on a compact lot adjacent to Bosque Los Colomos, one of Guadalajara’s most significant urban natural reserves. The project responds to a transitional condition between city and nature, defined by the immediacy of dense vegetation and the proximity of the consolidated urban fabric. Site orientation and closeness to the forest directly informed strategies of placement, natural lighting, and cross ventilation.
The residence was conceived as a permanent single-family home, developed through a close collaboration between client and architects, who shared aesthetic and functional affinities, particularly with principles of contemporary Japanese architecture. This influence is reflected in a restrained layout, a controlled material palette, and a spatiality that privileges introspection.
The architectural program is organized across two levels. Social and service areas occupy the ground floor, while private spaces are located above. A double-height main volume forms the core of the project: a continuous space that visually connects the interior with the forest canopy through large openings. This relationship between inside and outside is reinforced through interior planters, terraces, and strategically oriented balconies.
The structure combines load-bearing walls and steel elements, allowing for generous spans and a fluid perception of space. Soil studies were conducted to ensure efficient foundations, responding to site conditions and minimizing impact on existing vegetation.
Materially, the project relies on a sober, low-maintenance selection: exposed concrete, natural wood for interior finishes and carpentry, and local stone in transitional areas. These finishes were chosen for their durability, thermal performance, and ability to age gracefully.
From an environmental standpoint, Casa Colomos incorporates passive strategies such as cross ventilation, solar control through overhangs and orientation, and maximized natural light. Native and climate-adapted vegetation reduces water demand and simplifies maintenance, while the design promotes thermal comfort without mechanical systems.
Rather than seeking iconic expression, the project proposes an integrated architecture, where emphasis lies in a harmonious relationship with its immediate surroundings. More than contrasting with the landscape, the design amplifies it, allowing daily contemplation from within. Casa Colomos demonstrates that even on compact sites, high levels of environmental and emotional quality can be achieved through precise decisions in design, technique, and materiality.
