In Zapopan, in central Mexico near Guadalajara, Casa L&J stands in a blend of privacy and openness towards the lush outdoors. The villa is an L-shaped volume with generous spaces formed by an interesting mix of steel, glass, and rammed earth
Casa L&J is one of the residential architecture projects by the Mexican studio of Alvaro Moragrega. Located near a golf course, the villa, with its main volume in glass and steel, the sloping roof covered with black flat tiles, creates a filter and protection for the tranquility of its inhabitants. Inside, the distribution of spaces follows the elongated shape with progressive levels of intimacy
The cabin-like volume houses the main entrance leading to the large living room with a fireplace where a piano, a sitting area, and the dining area are located. A wooden volume containing the bar cabinet and storage space interrupts the view towards the inner garden, forcing one to admire the green expanse of the golf course. A solid in compressed earth contains the staircase, pantry, laundry room, and guest bathroom; located between the dining room and the kitchen, beyond which is the private living room, it determines the transition to the more intimate spaces
The family living area is partially contained within another fixed furniture volume. It includes part of the kitchen, a library area, a stove, and the TV corner. This structure shields from the public golf course and invites to look towards the private garden and the pool
At the end of the glass and steel building is a double-height art studio. From the studio, a corridor leads to the sleeping area made of compressed earth, which is 70 cm lower than the exterior. The rooms all overlook the private garden, and the perimeter wall features a rhythmic alternation of earth pillars and wooden doors leading to bathrooms and dressing rooms
