Casa Meztitla

EDAA Architects Forms an Enduring Relationship with the Environment

We love the way this holiday home in Mexico's massive pivoting glass doors and interrelated spaces form a never-ending relationship with the extraordinary landscape. Designed by Mexico City based architects EDAA, the expressive modern design and earthy materials create a luxuriously all-natural experience.

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 firm EDAA, 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 tree tops.

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 ensuite bedrooms are located in the center of the house and each has glass walls that immerse you into nature as well as private patios. 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.

There is a stormwater catchment system devised to provide sustainable year round water for the entire property including the uniquely designed long pool. Constructed over five hundred years ago by native Tepoztecos, the property features landscaped terraces beneath the craggy El Tepozteco mountains and beautiful native gardens. A stunning accompaniment to the landscape, this house is entirely at one with its surroundings.  

EL PUEBLO MAGICO TEPOZTLAN

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 cliff-top 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