Casa Zilin: Eco-Friendly Living in Baja California

Casa Zilin, designed by Taller Gabriela Carrillo, is a remarkable house situated in Baja California, Mexico. This contemporary residence seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting a harmonious lifestyle. With its elegant design and sustainability features, Casa Zilin stands as a testament to innovative architecture, inviting nature into everyday living.

A modernist, glass-walled house perched atop a hill amid lush, diverse vegetation.
A rustic, open-plan kitchen and dining space with wood-paneled walls, large windows, and a concrete floor.
Rustic interior with exposed concrete walls, wooden beams, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a mountainous landscape.
Rustic dining area with wooden beams, large windows, and integrated outdoor seating.
Expansive concrete interior with panoramic mountain views, modern wooden furnishings.
Rustic wooden beams frame a scenic mountain vista, inviting outdoor relaxation.
Wooden walkway leads to a rectangular pool with a mountainous, wooded backdrop.
A modern, multi-story residential structure with extensive glass and wood paneling, situated in a lush, hilly landscape.
Modern architectural structure with large windows and striking black exterior against the night sky.

About Casa Zilin

A Seamless Integration with Nature

Casa Zilin presents an architectural marvel harmoniously embedded in the landscape of Baja California. Designed by Taller Gabriela Carrillo in 2023, this innovative house embodies a seamless connection between the interior and exterior. Positioned delicately within its environment, the design minimizes disruption to the natural topography.

Flexible Living Spaces

The layout features two walls that frame a floating space, encouraging a flexible living arrangement. Intimacy is redefined as boundaries dissolve, allowing light and air to weave through the home. The structure includes an upper observatory that captures stunning views of the night sky while serving as a unique gathering space for residents and visitors alike.

Outdoor Areas for Relaxation and Activities

Two inviting side courtyards serve as the perfect venues for outdoor yoga sessions and social gatherings. Each courtyard frames picturesque views, breezes, and transparent connections to the surrounding landscape, enhancing the overall experience of integrated living.

Sustainable Design Features

Casa Zilin cleverly uses stone as a protective element against harsh environmental conditions, while also reflecting the local terrain. Inside, the space accommodates a variety of functions, from personal retreats to communal areas, ensuring utility for family members and potential guests.

Innovative Construction Techniques

The construction utilizes a thoughtful combination of structural glazing and concrete, complemented by warm wooden mezzanines. The staircase acts not only as a functional element but also as a design focal point, embodying the spirit of the surrounding landscape through its wooden latticework.

Emphasizing Sustainability and Harmony

Sustainability serves as the cornerstone of Casa Zilin’s design. With features such as solar energy systems and water recycling, the home maintains a minimal ecological footprint. The thoughtful orientation toward the south and north allows for optimal light and airflow, further enriching the living experience.

Emphasizing the integration of natural elements, Casa Zilin emerges as a tranquil retreat nestled among the mountains, capturing the essence of elevated, sustainable living through its unique design philosophy. The veiled windows echo the patterns of the surrounding flora, creating a peaceful coexistence between architecture and nature.

Photography by Rafael Gamo
Visit Taller Gabriela Carrillo

- by Matt Watts

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