Casa Meztitla

EDAA Architects Form an Enduring Relationship with the Environment

Settled at the base of a dramatic outcropping of prehistoric rock formations in an area called Meztitla (which means "place near the moon" in the Nahuatl language), this holiday home in Mexico lies on the outskirts of Tepoztlán and was created to showcase the extraordinary natural beauty of the site. 

Designed by Mexico City based architects EDAA, the expressive modern design and earthy materials create a luxuriously all-natural experience at this relaxing, award-winning home.

The architects devised an unusual structure that would open out to, as well as blend into the landscape through an innovative approach to indoor-outdoor boundaries. Constructed of locally sourced lava stone, limestone and concrete, the low slung profile sits under the jungle canopy with a monolithic box form that juts through the treetops.

Consisting of four distinct zones, the interiors are composed of a series of interrelated rooms connecting through outdoor areas perpetually open to nature. The L-shaped sunken living room, dining area and kitchen zone feature massive pivoting glass doors that blur the lines even further. The four en-suite bedrooms are located in the center of the house and each has glass walls that immerse you into nature. Upstairs is an additional studio space with access to the large rooftop terraces. Furnishings and decor are minimalist, with natural fabrics, wood and steel and tropical Mexican furniture such as hammocks.

The property features terraces beneath the craggy El Tepozteco mountains and beautifully wild, unplanned native gardens. A stunning accompaniment to the landscape, this house is entirely at one with its surroundings. 

Layout

The four-bedroom house includes two private patio rooms, one with a queen-sized bed, the other king-sized. Both feature private bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling mirrored showers behind sliding wood doors that separate the baths from the sleep spaces. They also have private patios with outdoor furniture for indoor-outdoor living.

The other two bedrooms are bright, spacious central patio rooms, each featuring two single beds and en-suite bathrooms. The rooms connect with a central patio with small doors that lead to the backyard.

Outdoors, there's a swimming lane under the tree tops and the solar-heated jacuzzi facing the mountain, along with an open kitchen with a cooking isle and an outdoor grill.

Additional features

Daily breakfast is included. A daily cook service (except for the check-out day) is also provided for cooking from scratch local, and some international, dishes.

There is a stormwater catchment system devised to provide sustainable year round water for the entire property including the uniquely designed long pool.

The road to the house is unpaved. High clearance vehicles are recommended. The property is home to five dogs and one cat with free range of the property. If you are not a dog person, this isn't the place for you. There is not a manicured garden. The property's vegetation is wild and natural in keeping with its rural surroundings. The swimming lane is unheated and the jacuzzi runs exclusively on solar power, meaning on overcast days it may not be hot. There is no domestic service.

Around

Situated almost two hours south of Mexico City in the countryside bordering El Tepozteco National Park, the pueblo magico of Tepoztlan is a charming and picturesque town steeped in local history and tradition and as legend has it, is the birthplace of the Aztec serpent god Quetzalcóatl.

Bordered by rugged mountains with a temperate climate, the area is a draw for visitors from around the country and around the world and is a region rich in the native Náhuatl culture of southern Mexico and Central America. The well-preserved historic center is great for wandering and exploring with a cluster of good cafes and crafts markets. The clifftop Aztec Tepozteco Pyramid that sits above the town is worth the tough hike up.  

Location

Tepoztlan, Mexico. Nearest airport: Mexico City (50km)  

Best time to visit

Fall through spring