PPAA’s hole-cut casa roca frames scenic views of wilderness in yosemite lakes, california

exploring casa roca’s hole-cut and wooden design by PPAA

Mexico-based practice PPAA has just completed Casa Roca amid Califonia‘s scenic Yosemite Lakes, a prime location offering unparalleled views of the national park. Designed with the primary objective of creating visual transparency, the wooden retreat sees its living spaces oriented towards these nature-infused vistas for maximum connection. The architects further emphasized that sense of ‘green’ immersion through a strategic incorporation of a ‘hole’ that cuts through the home, creating openings for ample daylight to filter into Casa Roca. Moreover, at the center of the dwelling, an outdoor space allows residents to fully enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the taiga and temperate forest biomes surrounding them. Another relevant gesture in the composition is a sloping roof that echoes the mountainscape ahead, as captured by architectural photographer Rafael Gamo.

embracing yosemite lakes’ rocky and mountainous nature

In terms of materials for Casa Roca, the team at PPAA decided to use exposed elements in dialogue with Yosemite Lakes’ natural mountainous surroundings. Wood unfolds as the protagonist here, boasting a dark tone across the exterior that blends with its context and infuses the indoors with plenty of warmth. Materials such as stone and concrete also punctuate the residence, alongside covered floors that are left bare and the presence of three large rocks positioned at the entrance to create a sense of continuity with the site’s organic and rocky landscape. ‘In short, this Yosemite Lakes house was designed to offer visual transparency, allowing residents to feel immersed in the mountainous setting and natural elements to become an integral part of the Yosemite Lakes living experience,’ conclude the architects. 

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project info:

name: Casa Roca

location: Yosemite Lakes, California, US

architect: PPAA | @perez_palacios_aa

photographer: Rafael Gamo | @rafael_gamo

completion year: 2023