In Southern Mexico City lies Jardines del Pedregal, an upscale neighborhood first developed by Luis Barragán in the 1940s. Originally intended to knit together city and landscape, it’s now populated by homes that veer toward the extravagant. Counteracting that is a matte-black residence by Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados (PPAA) that takes cues from the surrounding environment to keep its occupants connected to nature.

The house is designed as a solid volume that incorporates subtractions along its main axis. The subtractions form small courtyards that break the geometric form while generating a visual and physical connection to nature. According to PPAA, the home can be thought of as “nature voids inside solid black geometry.”

Inspired by the volcanic stones found in Jardines del Pedregal, the architects took this physical element into account when choosing the material palette for the home. The architect states, “The volume of the house is dark to match the solidity of the material while also making the dialogue [between volume and environment] equal.”

From the plan arises the form of the home. Solid spaces provide shelter while courtyards introduce nature, allowing the homeowners to maintain a connection with nature.

The interior is light to create an intentional contrast between inside and out while also framing views of nature. Living spaces and sleeping quarters open to courtyards, embracing the climate and tropical breezes.

Public and service areas are located on the ground floor. Service areas include a six-car garage, two bathrooms, a utility room, and a laundry room. Public spaces include an open living room, dining room, kitchen, family room, and outdoor terrace that connect with the courtyards.

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On the upper floor reside the private areas. A TV room, three bedrooms, plus a large master suite open to outdoor terraces above the treetops.

This matte-black residence is more than a simple architectural form. It’s a geometry which expresses an affinity for nature—weather, textures, atmosphere—through both physical and visual connections that embrace the forested setting.

More by PPAA:

A Matte Black Home in Mexico City Opens Up to 360-Degree Forest Views

A Remote Holiday Home Celebrates Raw and Natural Materials in Mexico

Glass Walls and Wooden Screens Strike a Balance in This Mexican Home

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: PPAA / @perez_palacios_aa

Builder / General Contractor: PPAA Constructions

Structural Engineer: BVG

Civil Engineer: BVG

Landscape Design Company: PPAA

Lighting Design Company: PPAA

Interior Design: PPAA + Katherina Altazia

Cabinetry Design / Installation: Katherina Altazia

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Pockets of Greenery Punctuate This Dramatic Black House in Mexico City