Casa en Tres Ríos

Casa en Tres Ríos stands apart in an era overloaded with flashy, monumental forms. Instead of resorting to overwhelming ornamentation, this residence defines its identity through a pure expression of design that engages intimately with its context. César Béjar Studio has stripped away unnecessary material layering, opting for a monochromatic facade that allows the home to seamlessly integrate with its surroundings.

Situated on a long, narrow site, the building appears as a solid mass seemingly embedded between adjacent walls. Yet, the designers have skillfully introduced a crisp seam in the facade, creating an intentional void that carves layers within the continuous, substantial volume. This interplay of form and negative space lends the structure an impression of lightness—as if it were delicately floating—while preserving a measure of subtle concealment. At the same time, the dynamic expression of interior color, in dialogue with the environment, enhances the building’s sculptural presence.

The design features a single, minimalist window system arranged on the facade, comprising two openings—one oriented horizontally and the other at the top. These recessed windows are proportioned to guide the viewer’s gaze toward a unified focal point, much like a pair of eyes peering through a common aperture. When sunlight strikes these inward-set windows, the resulting shadows create an effective shading effect. Moreover, every interior space is oriented toward patios and terraces, establishing a connection with the outdoors that preserves a sense of privacy and seclusion. Light filtering through the central courtyard and patio casts slowly shifting shadows, enriching the spatial experience with nuanced color.

Inside, the home unfolds like a pristine blank canvas. The interplay of light and the pure tones of the exterior transforms the interior into a rhythmic palette, setting varied moods throughout the space. Gentle pink reflections from the patio, combined with the direct, warm yellow light streaming from the skylight, balance the evolving tonal shifts as the day unfolds. Cool blue accents from the window elements further modulate the interplay of light and shadow, maintaining an overall warm and inviting atmosphere.

Finally, the two double-height volumes interlace to seamlessly unite the entire house. Upon entering and looking upward, the extended sightline enhances the sense of spatial breadth, diminishing any feeling of confinement and imbuing the residence with a refreshing openness. As daylight shifts, the dynamic interplay of colors throughout Casa en Tres Ríos breathes vitality into the space, ensuring that its atmosphere is always evolving and full of energy.

Builder | José Roberto Béjar

Area | 330m2 

Location | Culiacán, México. 

Year | 2020