Shi House

A white house stands quietly on the slope of a ravine, isolated and tranquil, watching the sunrise and sunset every day. Here, people leave behind worldly distractions and retreat to the mountain residence to calm their minds, allowing their senses to fully immerse in the unadorned beauty of nature. The Mexican architecture firm HW Studio transcends subjective thinking, seeking the essence of life by capturing the necessary elements of architecture to create a space that soothes the soul. This philosophy is at the core of the project, conveying a sense of peace while blending modern minimalism with the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, presenting a harmonious dialogue with the landscape.

Considering the local climate changes, the design team chose stone as the main material for constructing the "Shi House." In a landscape filled with wild grasses and trees, two massive rectangular volumes rise from the ground. One stands tall, isolating itself from the neighbors, while the other lies flat, offering a view of the golf course and nature reserve. The rustic texture and color of the stone at the back sharply contrast with the bright white facade at the front. The abstract forms stand out in the natural scenery yet achieve a delicate balance between the natural and the artificial, incorporating full living functions. From a distance, it resembles an open book, inviting people to explore this private residence that embodies both Eastern and Western cultures. The vertical section houses the entrance and garage, seamlessly connecting to the horizontal volume that contains the main living spaces.

Entering the house from the underground entrance, clean lines outline an orderly space, continuing the horizontal structure of the exterior that frames the entire length of the living room, dining room, and kitchen. A slightly curved wall gently separates the kitchen from the living area, gracefully transitioning between spaces and subtly honoring the women of the family. The architecture acts as a frame for the landscape, emphasizing the beauty of the majestic ravine. To achieve this, the design incorporates the "Engawa", a traditional Japanese element, connecting and blurring the boundaries between the sky and the house. A corridor on one side retracts the extensive floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing natural light to flow into the interior spaces, with the diffused light reflecting off the pristine white walls. Even in the hallway, one can profoundly sense the changes in the environment outside. Unlike the public areas that open outward, a long white axis divides the bedrooms and private areas, thoughtfully preserving the owner's private moments.

This stone house gradually integrates with its hillside surroundings as the seasons change and the stone weathers over time. Resembling a light box perched on the mountain, its white end is supported by piles covered with the same earth, creating the visual impression of floating in mid-air. The overall design weaves vertical and horizontal elements into a seemingly simple yet intriguing space. Partial voids and openings allow light to flow freely, giving the interior a dynamic expression at every moment and enabling occupants to continually witness the seasonal transitions in the valley.

Design Studio | HW Studio @hwstudioarq

Photography | César Béjar, Edmund Sumner @cesarbejarstudio @edmundsumner