Casa Zicatela by Ludwig Godefroy Architecture
Nestled between the azure sea and the agave fields of Oaxaca, Mexico, lies Casa Zicatela, a modern concrete marvel designed by Ludwig Godefroy Architecture. This unique weekend house, situated on the picturesque Zicatela beach, next to Puerto Escondido, is a testament to the duality of its surroundings. With the beach and sea on one side and the mountains on the other, Casa Zicatela is a countryside house with a twist.
Built on a compact 300 m2 plot (approximately 3229.17 square feet), the house employs defensive architecture to create an open-sky fortress, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. Its design is reminiscent of the massive concrete structures in Normandy, where the designer was born, and the Mexican pyramids that dot the landscape of his adopted home.
About Casa Zicatela
A Unique Blend of Architecture and Interior Design
Nestled between two contrasting landscapes, this house presents a fascinating fusion of architecture and interior design. On one side, the serene beach and the vast sea stretch out, while on the other, mountains and agave fields paint a rustic picture. This agave plant is the source of mezcal and tequila, adding a unique cultural touch to the surroundings. Rather than a typical beach house, this dwelling embodies the charm of a countryside home by the sea.
Harmonizing with the Dual Landscape
The house’s design is rooted in this duality, reflecting the diverse elements of its surroundings. It stands as a protective fortress against the mountains, while also opening up to the sea, offering a sense of living outdoors in a lush garden. This design blurs the boundaries between the interior and exterior, creating a seamless transition between the two.
The Zicatela House: A Modern Fortress
The Zicatela house, built on a compact 300 m2 (3229.17 ft2) plot, employs a form of defensive architecture. A wall encircles the entire property, creating a controlled environment within. This design transforms the space into an open-sky fortress, with the sky as the primary and constant view.
A Bunker with a Mexican Heart
From the outside, the house resembles a bunker, reminiscent of the massive concrete structures often seen in Normandy, where the architect was born. Inside, however, it houses a Mexican pyramid, a common sight in Mexico, where the architect has lived and worked for the past decade. This blend of influences results in a unique architectural masterpiece that stands as a testament to the power of innovative design.
Photography by Rory Gardiner
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- by Matt Watts
