Located in Laguna de Servín, Querétaro, Casa LS45 was conceived as a weekend retreat designed to reconnect its inhabitants with nature and a slower pace of life. Surrounded by the region’s remarkable landscape, the residence was designed for a woman seeking a contemporary way of living—one that is flexible, social, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Set on a remote site with challenging access, the architecture is anchored by a stone core embedded into the terrain, from which two elevated volumes emerge on concrete and steel pilotis. This strategy responds to the site's steep topography while preserving the existing landscape and maintaining the natural flow of rainwater runoff, minimizing intervention on the land. The structure is based on a precise modular system and continuous columns spanning both levels, optimizing load transfer, construction resources, and execution time.
The arrival sequence leads directly to the ground floor, which serves as the social heart of the house. The kitchen, dining area, family room, and billiards lounge are organized as one continuous space that encourages gathering and opens completely to the outdoors. The terrace extends this social life through outdoor living and dining areas, creating a seamless transition between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape. Positioned independently, the jacuzzi offers a more intimate and contemplative setting, separate from the home's social dynamics. In keeping with the project's concept, the house eliminates formal reception spaces in favor of generous, relaxed environments designed for shared experiences.
The upper floor accommodates three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, walk-in closet, and private terrace overlooking the landscape. These spaces provide a sense of privacy while maintaining a constant connection to nature.
The material palette reinforces the project's restrained and timeless character. Stone conveys permanence and a strong sense of place; steel introduces precision and lightness; wood adds warmth; and black concrete block provides depth and texture. Together, these materials create a sober architectural language in which light and shadow become essential design elements. The openness of the spaces allows nature to become an active part of everyday life, while the dark-toned palette frames the surrounding views and transforms shadow into a design tool capable of creating atmospheres of contemplation and refuge.
The project's respectful relationship with its environment is further expressed through integrated environmental strategies. The incorporation of a biodigester for wastewater treatment reflects a commitment to the site and its natural resources, prioritizing passive, low-impact solutions.
The construction process represented one of the project's greatest challenges. The remote location required complex logistics for transporting materials and meticulous planning throughout construction. These challenges were compounded by the region's demanding weather conditions—including rain, cold temperatures, and dense fog—which tested the dedication and expertise of the construction team. Their efforts made possible the execution of a technically sophisticated architectural project in a particularly demanding context.
Casa LS45 finds its essence in the dialogue between structure and nature: a quiet architecture that does not compete with the landscape but rather frames and celebrates it. Through a precise composition, an honest material palette, and a sensitive relationship with the site, the project creates a living experience where togetherness, contemplation, light, the landscape, and the passage of time become the true protagonists.
