Project Name: CASA DLCA

Location: Zapopan, Mexico

Design Team: 0studio Arquitectura

Total Floor Area: 496 m²

Completion: 2024

Photography: Rafael Palacios

Design Features:

Project CASA DLCA, designed by 0studio Arquitectura, stands as a masterful expression of contemporary Mexican architecture principles nestled within Zapopan, Mexico, demonstrating the perfect balance between material contrast, spatial clarity, and contextual awareness that redefines modern residential experiences. This 496-square-meter three-level residence exemplifies a straightforward and functional architectural language, oriented north-south to optimize climatic conditions.

The project's most compelling design achievement lies in its triple-height interior patio design. This central space serves as both spatial and functional anchor for the entire project, allowing natural light and ventilation to penetrate the core of the house, distributing evenly across adjacent spaces. The interplay of light accentuates the textures of the finishes, subtly transforming the interiors throughout the day. The vertical circulation, concentrated in a single core, incorporates a tree as a focal element. This natural feature introduces softness and establishes a connection to the outdoor environment, offering a counterpoint to the building's geometric rigor.

The architectural narrative unfolds through sophisticated material composition, demonstrating remarkable design expression. The exterior is defined by a concrete monolith, whose stark presence is softened by warm wood cladding on the ground floor. This material contrast creates a layered composition that distinguishes programmatic elements while highlighting the orthogonal design, where vertical and horizontal planes are carefully articulated in both the façade and interior spaces. The interior material palette emphasizes warmth and texture. Wood is used extensively to create continuity, while green stucco introduces a subtle yet striking contrast, visually tying the interior design to the surrounding landscape. This restrained palette is applied with precision to support the spatial organization and enhance the interplay of light and material.

The façade treatment demonstrates the balance between openness and privacy. The ground floor, housing the public program, is designed as an open, fluid space. Partition walls are removed, and furniture is used to define areas without disrupting the visual flow. Floor-to-ceiling windows dissolve boundaries between the interior and exterior, integrating the patio and garden as natural extensions of the living spaces. Movement through the house is guided by visual axes and focal points, framing elements such as the garden, interior patio, or carefully composed light and shadow. These perspectives enrich the spatial experience and establish a balance between openness and privacy.

The project's defining feature is its prioritization of spatial clarity, material authenticity, and thoughtful connection to its surroundings. Through its restrained design and meticulous detailing, this residence designed by 0studio exemplifies a measured and contemporary approach to Mexican architecture. The orthogonal design language maintains consistency throughout the project, creating a sense of order and architectural honesty. The north-south orientation not only optimizes climatic performance but also demonstrates commitment to environmentally responsive design. CASA DLCA proves that thoughtful design can achieve the perfect balance between functional efficiency and aesthetic elegance without sacrificing spatial quality, material authenticity, or residential comfort.

Design Team 0studio Arquitectura, established in 2012 and based in Guadalajara, Mexico, has distinguished itself as a collaborative design and architecture practice dedicated to generating innovative solutions for habitable environments through continuous interdisciplinary engagement. The firm operates on the principle that quality architectural intervention emerges from sustained critical reflection and the synthesis of diverse research methodologies and experimental processes across multiple disciplines.

Currently led by co-founders Arq. Juan Antonio Corcuera, who serves as Project Director, and Arq. Miguel Angel Delgado, who oversees both Project Direction and Construction Management, the practice has established a comprehensive organizational structure. Arq. Missael Quintero directs construction operations, while the project design team comprises Arq. Pablo Cabrera, Arq. Mario Fong, Arq. Andrea Lomelí, Arq. Rosario Martínez, and Arq. José Gutiérrez. Site supervision is managed by Arq. Omar Garay.

The firm's design philosophy centers on contextual understanding and social environment construction, employing rigorous analytical frameworks to develop architectural responses that enhance living quality. Their methodology emphasizes understanding diverse contextual conditions through reflective practice and experimental exploration, enabling the firm to create architectural solutions that genuinely respond to the specific needs of sites, clients, and communities. This commitment to contextual sensitivity extends across all scales, from urban planning to material detailing.

0studio Arquitectura, as a full-service architectural practice, demonstrates proficiency across diverse typologies, encompassing residential architecture, commercial facilities, cultural buildings, and urban intervention projects. Through their interdisciplinary methodology, 0studio Arquitectura integrates technical precision with conceptual rigor, producing work that demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of materiality, spatial organization, and environmental performance. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to architectural excellence that balances functional requirements with aesthetic consideration, establishing the firm as a significant contributor to contemporary Mexican architecture. The firm believes in the transformative power of architecture as a tool for improving quality of life and infuses all work with dedication to creating spaces that genuinely respond to human needs and aspirations.