- Architecture & development
Everything originates through a certain medium. In the case of Mexican studio PPAA, architecture happens with buildings that maintain an intensive relationship with their environments and the factors that play a role in it. The weather, the soil, and the whole of natural textures all have an attentive place in their way of working. This time, they perched on a desolate place, the type where you do not see another human in the distance.
Aculco is a vacation home for two brothers who, unsurprisingly, share an intense passion for the outdoors. A few years ago, they were out on a rock-climbing trip together, but the most exciting event of that day was probably discovering this beloved place. After having bought and reforested a piece of land, it was time to rely on the right people for their dream project. The team of PPAA turned out to be the perfect address. Namely, they consider architecture the strongest when things are not overcomplicated and are born from a geometrical approach. As the foundation of their methodology and portfolio, there is the idea that everyone engages in a certain dynamic with their surroundings, and that architecture should be a reflection of this. Consequently, they see their craft not merely as a play of shapes, but instead as a flowerbed of ideas. Next to this, they focus on comprehending the human body and how it is connected to the environment. Nature is never far away in this respect either. Sensorial buildings that are truly the child of their location are the sublime result of this. 
This commission fit their portfolio like no other. The deserted location is perfect to achieve an elementary state of mind in which the velocity of modern life cannot penetrate. Nearby, the presence of a number of impressive cliffs glows. In line with the specialisation of the architects, the brothers asked them for a construction that maintains a reciprocate dialogue with the locale nature. Values such as simplicity, an intimate bond with the panorama, and a low level of maintenance acted as the outline the final design is based on. Since the stay is explicitly meant to isolate yourself from time to time and really focus on the things you are witnessing around you, the architects were not shy to leave behind an exceptional rawness. Block stone walls from the area itself, clay flooring, wood, and glass are the most prominent materials. Striking is that the state of the entire palette is as natural as possible, up until the point that the design almost acts as a support of the location instead of vice versa. 
The deserted location is perfect to achieve an elementary state of mind
Even though the commission was tailor-made for the studio, the process did not come without certain challenges. For example, they state that the impact on the surroundings had to be as limited as possible, and that this need imposed a considerable obstacle on their path. Because the location was extraordinarily remote, it turned out to be anything but evident to get the needed work force and all the materials to a place this isolated. With a surface of 90 square metres the final result is a house with limited space: a fact that is of little importance when you realise with what unseen skills the wishes of the clients were fulfilled. Here, they can completely align with themselves and temporarily close themselves off of all the factors that disturb nature’s balance.
Secretly, we are a little bit jealous of the owners their unique place of escape. The unaltered vastness of the views and the idea that the beauty of the location will remain completely undiscovered for most make this project even more unique. We wish the brothers a lot of rest, reflection, and privacy. 

Want to get enchanted by more impressive projects and inspiring architecture? Be sure to follow us on Instagram on the account Imagicasa Architecture. On this page, we will share unique realisations, promising designs and innovative ideas daily.
Photography by Rafael Gamo