Monterrey-based S-AR stacion ARquitectura have recently shared with us exclusive images of the '2G house' in nuevo leon, northern mexico. the concrete dwelling is organized on one level in a rectangular volume designed to create different memorable architectural qualities throughout the day in each of the spaces surrounding a central courtyard. the relationship of solid and void puts the user in a continuously changing domestic and external landscape, to better understand the changes in the environment throughout the day.
A rugged simplicity emphasizes the concept behind the dwelling. by paying special attention to the clean-cut details of the construction, the architecture becomes an stage from which the exterior may be experienced while upholding the necessary program to support a comfortable life. the street side elevation contains very few openings to provide privacy from the public realm. the kitchen, dining room, lounge, and terrace by contrast open up completely to the exterior thanks in part to a break in the roof plane that allows plenty of natural light and stunning views of the sierra madre mountains to fill the interior spaces. the entire monolithic structure is also elevated off the ground for improved insulation, and is kept in raw-materials to cut down on finishing cost and waste. the private bedrooms are separated from the public functions be the central courtyard, making it a key component to the day-to-day living. around 90% of the labor is all local, lending a hand to the market for workers of all trades, from the custom-made opening mechanisms in the windows to the pouring of the cast-in-place shear walls and slabs. the dwelling becomes a receptacle for light and shadow, shaded by the trees, to observe the landscape from a comfortable, practical construct.