Shi House: A Masterpiece of Architectural Harmony in Morelia

Highlights

Architects: HW STUDIO
Website: www.hw-studio.com
Contact e-mail: hwarcstudio@gmail.com Facebook: @hwstudioarquitectos Instagram: @hwstudioarq

Location: Morelia, Michoaca?n. Me?xico
Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/CQRowL3L42DTZPrA6
Completion Year: 2023
Size: 440 mts2

Lead Architect: Rogelio Vallejo Bores
Architect: Oscar Didier Ascencio Castro
Team: Nik Zaret Cervantes Ordaz
Clients: Marisol Sandoval and Luis de la Puente Budget: 500,000.00 USD
Photo credits: Cesar Be?jar
Photographer’s website: www.cesarbejarstudio.com

Photo credits: Edmund Sumner (photo: 03)
Photographer’s website: www.edmundsumner.co.uk

Located gracefully on the slope of a ravine in Morelia, Mexico, Shi House is a striking residential project by HW Studio. Seamlessly blending with its natural surroundings, the house offers a unique visual and architectural experience. This architectural masterpiece showcases the perfect harmony between nature and contemporary design, crafting a space that exudes peace and tranquility. Let’s dive into the architectural marvels of this extraordinary project.

Integrating with the Natural Landscape

Shi House is carefully positioned to merge with the mountain it rests upon. The use of stone material in the vertical structure, which houses stairs and some horizontal circulations, not only complements the mountain’s texture but will also weather over time to blend even more harmoniously with the natural environment. This choice of materials ensures that the house becomes part of the landscape, a visual and functional extension of its surroundings.

Contrasting Volumes and Thoughtful Design

The house features a striking combination of vertical and horizontal elements. The stone volume vertically connects the entrance and garages with the rest of the house, while the horizontal white element houses the living spaces. This juxtaposition of stone and white creates a visual balance between natural and artificial aesthetics. The project embraces the concept of contrasting opposites, inspired by Eastern philosophies, to create a space that is both bold and tranquil.

Emphasizing Views and Tranquility

Shi House opens up towards a golf course and natural reserve, offering breathtaking views from the living room, dining room, and kitchen. The design incorporates Engawa, an interior-exterior space surrounding the glass surfaces, providing a smooth transition between the interior and the exterior. This approach emphasizes the beauty of the ravine and allows for seamless indoor-outdoor living.

On the other hand, the private areas of the house, such as bedrooms, are secluded and windowless to the exterior. Instead, they receive natural light through a long courtyard, serving as an intimate gathering point for the family and connecting with the outside only through the sky. This design choice ensures privacy and tranquility in personal spaces.

Innovative Corridor and Thoughtful Tribute

A central division between the social and private areas of the house is marked by a long axis culminating in the golf course. This corridor features a unique design choice—an anomaly in the form of a slightly curved wall. This wall softens the journey through the house and pays tribute to the three women in the family.

The house seems to float lightly upon the mountain, supported by pilings covered in the same earth from the excavation. This creates the impression that the large white structure simply decided to perch there, adding to the house’s overall harmony with its environment.

Shi House exemplifies HW Studio’s commitment to creating spaces that evoke peace and serenity. By blending artistic and philosophical principles with innovative design choices, the studio has crafted a home that stands out as a beacon of harmony and tranquility in the bustling city of Morelia.