Header: César Belio
Living in the city is fun, but sometimes it can get a bit too much: the cars, the noise, and the constant flow of unfamiliar faces can make raising a family and staying sane a challenge. When we want privacy, we turn to our homes, however, these don’t always give us the cosiness we need since it’s hard to create a barrier between us and the urban chaos right outside our windows. Casa Catorce is exactly a result of this need for familiarity in the midst of chaos, it is a family home that provides refuge and nature when we are surrounded by the unknown.
Casa Catorce is a single-family home that provides its residents with everything they need to feel calm and at peace with their living space after going out into the bubbly environment of the city. Designed by Yiyicaru Arquitectos, this urban retreat is nothing short of luxurious sanity in the form of a pretty house.
The façade, made out of basalt, is narrow and fancy-looking, its layout was ingeniously created to allow just the necessary amount of natural light to enter the secluded family space. This type of façade also creates an extra barrier between the city, Villahermosa, in Mexico, and the family, as it almost crafts a unique microclimate for the family to enjoy.
In the entrance, a sturdy gate made out of burned rustic wood contrasts with the minimalist façade, adding to the character and mystique of the house while completely separating it from the urban context – plus, who doesn’t like a touch of brutalism in design?
The house, an L-shaped wonder, is comprised of corridors and spaces that seem to open up as you walk around. The outdoor spaces receive, however, the spotlight in this living design. The gardens and the sound of the wind gently kissing the plants, the infinity pool and the serene sound of flowy water, and the animals that come and go help the family relax deeply.
The material palette of the home is dark, profound, exquisite, and exclusive. All around the rooms, we can find mirrors and glass with coppery tints that create a luxurious optical illusion: the reflections open up the space, almost deleting the walls and materials of the house.
The clients wanted their home to be a secure space that provided them with everything they needed to lead a happy and healthy life. Wanting to turn to themselves instead of to the city for entertainment and distraction, the residents asked for a boutique hotel-like design, which meant that the interior architecture and decoration needed to bring the city indoors without giving it the power to take control over intimacy and comfort.
The house becomes the family’s own little world, where they can just enjoy each other’s company without feeling ruled by chaos. This modern-day Eden makes living in the city a pleasure, as you know you have a true paradise to go home to.
