- Architecture & development
- Outdoor & travel
Casa en los Cocos is a project designed by Mexico-based architect Ludwig Godefroy. This residence is located in the south of the historic centre of Mérida - Yucatán, in Mexico. The relationship between interior and exterior is pursued as well as the concept of time becomes part of the architecture.
The Mexican designer is known for his creations using natural materials that have their origins in Mexico itself. These are reflected in both architecture and interiors. With the unification of nature and architecture, they put their stamp on their work, and this project is no different. The project's design further comes from the proportion of the land itself. The narrow ratio of the land creates a strong vanishing point effect that enters the site. The project responds to this perspective by running from left to right and materialising it with water running everywhere throughout. Consisting of a series of fragmented pavilions, inspired by prehistoric Spanish architecture and organised around a water level and pool. 
The two bedroom pavilions with their own gardens are placed on either side of this perspective, to create a large protected void in the centre. Casa en los Cocos is looking for a strong sense of outdoor integrity, so that the garden embraces the people and every space of the project. The central living pavilion, the social part of the house, floats above this garden, wide open so that the air can blow through it. ‘Casa en los Cocos is structured around the negative empty space, which becomes as important as the positive pavilion-built space,’ we hear. 
A house as an open central agora connecting all private spaces
The contrast between open and closed also defines the boundary between public and private spaces, a house as an open central agora connecting all private spaces. This is the heart of the project where social life comes together. By taking the ground relationship as the starting point for the design and creating this intimate central agora, the entire ground floor with the garden becomes a large walking area. A facade is no longer needed. The garden is the living area and invites people for a meditative walk. The project gets rid of the superfluous and focuses exclusively on elementary elements, on simplicity. This search for simplicity leads the design to a sleek and abstract architecture built entirely of solid materials such as concrete, wood and stone. All these materials are able to age and look better with time, rather than being damaged. 
The concept of time becomes part of architecture. Time as if it were a material, aiming to return to this old and simple idea of making the "patina of time" part of the project.
Photography by Rory Gardiner