- Project: 178 House
- Architect: 21 Arquitectos
- Location: Mexico, Zapopan, Jalisco
- Year: 2023
- Area: 512 m2
- Photography: Phocus Imagenes
In Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, 21 Arquitectos designed 178 House, a residence completed in 2023 that perfectly blends bold architectural expression with its sloping natural terrain. Rising on an ascending plot within a private development, the 178 House redefines contemporary living through spatial ingenuity, material richness, and a seamless relationship with nature.
Architectural Concept
The design of 178 House responds directly to its topography. With the rear of the site elevated 1.5 meters above the street, the architects embraced this condition by lifting the main structure, introducing a semi-basement beneath the primary level. This gesture creates a dynamic architectural presence while embedding the residence into the landscape.
The exterior is characterized by solid geometries, sculptural subtractions, and illuminated voids. The result is a volumetric composition that appears to hover above the slope, reinforcing the home’s dialogue with its natural surroundings.
Entry Sequence and Central Atrium
A side staircase carved into the terrain leads visitors to the main oak wood door. Upon entry, a spatial journey unfolds: the compressed entry hall dramatically opens into a triple-height core, anchored by a central atrium with a black olive tree. A glass bridge spans this vertical axis, visually connecting all four levels and allowing natural light to cascade through the home.
Interior Layout and Program
The house is organized into distinct but interconnected layers:
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Ground Floor: A free-flowing open-plan layout minimizes structural supports to maximize space and light. Social zones extend toward the rear terrace and pool, blending into the shared forest beyond. This floor also includes a study, full bathroom, laundry, and storage.
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Upper Floor: Designed for privacy, this level contains three bedrooms and a master suite with an en-suite bathroom and walk-in dressing room.
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Semi-Basement: Adds versatility with a playroom, guest suite, service quarters, and ample storage.
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Atrium Axis: A vertical spine that connects all levels, enhancing both circulation and visual fluidity.
Material Palette
The home’s material language balances modern austerity with warm accents:
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White-coated masonry walls and a gray palette create a minimalist backdrop.
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Exposed concrete adds structural honesty and an industrial edge.
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Oak wood accents introduce warmth and elegance.
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Large-format glazing blurs interior and exterior boundaries.
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Saint Thomas marble elevates the luxury quotient with refined sophistication.
Integration With Nature
Perhaps the most defining aspect of 178 House is its symbiosis with the natural landscape. The rear terrace and pool extend seamlessly into the communal forest, offering uninterrupted immersion in nature. The elevated design not only respects the terrain but transforms it into an architectural asset, fusing structure and site into one cohesive experience.
A Model of Contemporary Mexican Architecture
178 House embodies 21 Arquitectos’ philosophy of design rooted in place, material honesty, and environmental sensitivity. Its careful orchestration of volumes, light, and textures makes it a benchmark for modern Mexican residential architecture.
