The Carrizal residential complex, designed by Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados (PPAA), is located south of Mexico City, in the Lomas Quebradas neighborhood. It looks like eight black houses located on either side of the path passing through it. The architects were faced with the task of combining a number of monolithic blocks on one site in such a way that each house would maintain a sense of privacy – and at the same time give integrity and transparency to this small complex.
The master plan of the complex is based on the idea of providing access to the houses through a common main axis. The area around each house, which includes a small garden, is surrounded by concrete lattice panels: this is how the architects achieved the effect of transparency. Now residents can watch from the house what is happening on the street, but at the same time they themselves remain almost invisible. In addition, this solution creates a feeling of openness between two rows of buildings located close to each other.
Because the site has a significant slope, PPAA was able to create another, lower level for car parking for the six homes. The other two blocks have parking at ground level. The program implies that over time, various events will be held in the premises of the first level (where the kitchens and living rooms are located). It was for this purpose that they envisaged combining the common space with the garden areas as needed. On the second level of the houses, there are bedrooms, and on the third level there are terraces. Paved with stone and lined with trees, the stepped path acts as an internal street.
Made from concrete blocks by Grupo Joben, the permeable lattice walls contrast with the black plaster walls, giving each home a monolithic appearance. For the black facade, panels called Corev Mooth were used.
Each house has an individual layout depending on the site (its total area is 2022 square meters). The four central houses have identical rectangular plans, while the four houses on the edges are L-shaped: their living spaces are elongated. Light walls and gray stone floors create a light and airy look compared to dark facades, a technique that architects often use in many of their projects. Wooden sliding doors and furniture complete the simple interior of the Carrizal complex.
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