N House: Embracing Tradition with Transparent Architecture

Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

Project's Summary

The [N] House, a project by the architectural studio Agraz Arquitectos S.C., was specifically designed to embrace a local tradition of building living spaces around a central patio. The inspiration for this design came from the request of a couple with two young daughters. The house is structured across three levels, with the basement housing the garage area, service areas, and a game room. A central stairway connects these different levels, creating a spatial connection and serving as a meeting point for the dwellers as they exit their private rooms.

On the first floor, you will find the hall, dining room, and kitchen, surrounded by a smaller patio where a tree provides a tranquil ambiance. Adjacent to this patio, the living room and family room are also framed, further enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Finally, the second floor is home to three bedrooms, which enjoy views of both the patio and the garden.

The design concept of the [N] House focuses on transparency, with the house's wrapping almost entirely see-through, providing a complete view of the garden. However, on the upper floor, walls become more predominant to ensure privacy and security for the occupants of the rooms. The clever use of solid and clear, opaque and transparent elements creates a rhythmic dialogue between the different volumes of the house, offering a play of light and shadow that adds depth and character to the interior spaces.

Attention to detail during the design and construction processes is evident in the [N] House. The simplicity of the materials used, combined with the meticulous execution of the construction, elevates the overall aesthetic of the house. The result is a rich and complex architectural language that blurs the boundaries between nature and dweller.

The [N] House is not just an object; it is a collection of spaces that seamlessly blend opaque and transparent surfaces to create a harmonious relationship between the inhabitants and their surroundings. With no clear boundary between the interior and exterior, the architecture intentionally encourages a connection with the outside world. These are not shy spaces but rather spaces that embrace and integrate with the surrounding environment, offering a unique and inviting living experience.