juan pablo guerra curates this dark 'ruina' to disappear into its verdant surroundings

architectural designer juan pablo guerra of memoria de arquitectura envisions a residential project in mexico dubbed ‘ruina.’ the building is nested into its site, partially underground, to create the atmosphere of a burrow. in contrast to this intimate condition, the space opens widely outward with a sweeping, ribbon window that creates a panoramic view. the author notes that the contemporary megalith ‘seeks to reinterpret a primitive architectural language through its dark materiality, solid plasticity, and its contrast between large and intimate spaces to accommodate the needs that a rest home requires.’

images by juan pablo guerra melo | @memoria.arq

juan pablo guerra of memoria de arquitectura curates ‘ruina’ with a dark materiality that seems to disappear into its natural surroundings. this strategy serves to minimize the image of the built space and rather highlight the verdant and pastoral context. dwelling’s entrance is designed to evoke a cavernous atmosphere, or a natural crack in a rock. inside, a trajectory down a compact corridor is guided by skylights and opens out onto a main hall, a space that organizes two bedrooms and the large gathering space. the architect comments: ‘in inhabiting the architectural piece, an intimate immensity is sought, a structure close to immateriality, spaces to contemplate sky and nature. sensations that remind us of the melancholy of a ruin.’

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project info:

project title: ruina

architecture: juan pablo guerra melo of memoria de arquitectura | @memoria.arq

location: mexico

project year: 2021

status: concept