Fortresses are meant to keep people out, but French architect Ludwig Godefroy designed this house on Mexico's Zicatela Beach as a sort of residential oxymoron. With monolithic walls, the holiday home is indeed fortress-like, but it also has an openness that makes it airy and welcoming -- traits befitting of a beach home.
The home is partly inspired by ancient Aztec temples. Not only does this inspiration come through in the use of concrete, which has a washed-out coloring that's quite similar to the stones of Aztec temples, but the home also has a series of steps that allow access into and out of one of the central courtyards. Aztec temples are famous for their ziggurats, and those stairs are a visual reference.
Welcoming Fortress Houses
This House on Zicatela Beach Takes Inspiration from Aztec Architecture
Trend Themes
1. Residential Oxymoron - Designing homes that balance fortress-like security with open and welcoming features.
2. Ancient Inspiration - Drawing design inspiration from ancient architecture, such as Aztec temples, to create modern structures.
3. Monolithic Minimalism - Using monolithic walls and washed-out coloring to create a minimalist aesthetic in residential design.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Exploring opportunities to integrate elements of fortress-like security and openness in residential designs.
2. Construction - Utilizing monolithic walls and concrete materials in construction projects to create visually appealing and secure structures.
3. Interior Design - Incorporating minimalist aesthetics with washed-out colors in interior design to create a sense of openness and tranquility.