stone-built casa makay in mexico develops around central staircase and atrium

di frenna arquitectos engages in an artful interplay of contrasting elements, such as soft wooden textures and rough stone.

Di Frenna edited by christina vergopoulou July 6, 2023 3 min

Di Frenna arquitectos’s Casa Makay stands in Colima

Nestled within the warm and subhumid climate of Colima, Mexico, Casa Makay by Di Frenna Arquitectos embraces the importance of intimacy in the residential layout. Thoughtful spatial distribution draws the gaze inward, inviting exploration of the house’s core. Comprised of two volumes connected by a wooden bridge, the residence forms a central double-height space that intuitively opens up to reveal a central courtyard. The atrium, adorned with a myrtle tree and accompanied by a staircase, shapes a visual and tangible respite amidst the construction. The courtyard and terrace, enriched by evolving vegetation that gracefully takes over the space, harmonize with the gravel, seamlessly blending into the project’s unified palette.

stone-built casa makay in mexico develops around central staircase and atrium - 1 — all images courtesy of Di Frenna arquitectos

the house shapes up in white cement, gray sand, wood, and stone

Open and interconnected spaces allow light and ventilation to flow freely, creating serene and naturally illuminated environments. The design team‘s meticulous selection of materials forms a uniform palette of textures and monochromatic tones, accentuating the design’s simplicity and elegance. Ivory-colored concrete, achieved through white cement, gray sand, and gravel, unifies walls and floors, generating a sense of seamless continuity. San Andrés flagstone, with its textured irregularity and spectrum of colors, provides a striking contrast to the concrete’s geometry while infusing warmth into the project. Parota wood, selected for the carpentry, introduces a welcoming touch that complements the stone materials. Elegant gray aluminum windows with black accents add a touch of sophistication and refinement to the design.

stone-built casa makay in mexico develops around central staircase and atrium - 2 — the residence is comprised of two volumes connected by a wooden bridge

stone-built casa makay in mexico develops around central staircase and atrium - 3 — thoughtful spatial distribution draws the gaze inward, inviting exploration of the house’s core

stone-built casa makay in mexico develops around central staircase and atrium - 4 — the central staircase shapes a visual and tangible respite amidst the construction

casa-makay-di-frenna-arquitectos-designboom-1800-2 — parota wood, selected for the carpentry, complements the stone materials

stone-built casa makay in mexico develops around central staircase and atrium - 5 — the atrium is adorned with a myrtle tree and accompanied by a staircase

casa-makay-di-frenna-arquitectos-designboom-1800-3 — the courtyard and terrace are enriched by evolving vegetation that gracefully takes over the space

stone-built casa makay in mexico develops around central staircase and atrium - 6

project info:

name: Casa Makay
designer: Di Frenna arquitectos | @difrenna.arquitectos

location: Colima, Mexico

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