Casa de la Cañada is a minimal residence located in Naucalpan, Mexico, designed by Escobedo Soliz. Nestled in a challenging, narrow plot with significant slopes, a remarkable residence takes advantage of its surroundings, showcasing an innovative approach to minimalist design. Located adjacent to a protected federal area that preserves a portion of a gorge and a river, the home embraces its natural setting, integrating it seamlessly into the architecture. The structure cascades downward, capitalizing on the plot’s natural incline. Consequently, only one level is visible from the street, while two additional levels lie below. The top level houses the bedrooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms, and a playroom. Descending to the ground level, one encounters the public area and kitchen. Further below, in the untouched terrain beneath the living area, a central courtyard features an outdoor kitchen and a semi-covered pool. Occupying a mere 100 square meters, the building comprises service blocks and circulation spaces along the two sides bordering neighboring properties.

These lateral volumes protect the home’s privacy while anchoring the transverse white volumes that seemingly hover above the natural terrain. This design choice allows the topography and vegetation of the gorge to flow uninterrupted beneath the residence. The white volumes accommodate the main living spaces and open expansively to the gorge and interior courtyards on either side. The building’s structural framework relies on rigid concrete frames with masonry walls and beam-and-block slabs. The foundation consists of stepped continuous footings that follow the terrain’s slope and retaining walls. This elegant solution highlights the home’s minimalist design ethos while emphasizing its symbiotic relationship with the landscape. This remarkable project is a testament to the power of innovative design, proving that even the most challenging terrain can be transformed into a stunning architectural masterpiece that harmoniously coexists with nature.

Photography by Ariadna Polo