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March 10.2025
2 Minutes Read

Exploring Casa Girasol: How Locus Captures Sunlight in Mexico’s Valle de Bravo

Casa Girasol architectural design with solar panels and greenery.

Embracing Nature: Casa Girasol’s Unique Design

Casa Girasol, designed by Mexico City’s Locus architecture studio, showcases an innovative approach to housing shaped by its unique location in Valle de Bravo's forested area. Here, where sunlight may be scarce due to the region's cold and rainy climate, the architects embraced a circular design that promotes natural light throughout the home, inviting the outside world into its cozy confines.

Innovative Circular Architecture

The decision to use a circular, open-ring shape for Casa Girasol was deliberate—intended to maximize sunlight penetration and create natural heat absorption. With its south-facing aspect fully glazed, the home draws in warmth and brightness, transforming traditional home-patio configurations into a contemporary space that prioritizes natural light and privacy. This approach not only encourages social interaction among family members but also protects the intimate ambiance that the forested surroundings lend to the retreat.

Natural Light and Comfort: The Importance of Design

Every detail of Casa Girasol speaks to its commitment to producing a luminous indoor environment. Clerestory windows dot the roof, allowing for filtered light from multiple directions without compromising the inhabitants' privacy. Skylights above the stairwells and living areas additionally prevent the spaces from feeling dreary, contrasting beautifully with the raw textures of the concrete and oak used throughout the interior.

A Harmonious Blend of Materials

The choice of materials in Casa Girasol furthers its connection with nature. Earth-toned pigmented concrete forms a robust base, echoing the natural landscape surrounding the home. Meanwhile, exposed laminated oak beams lend warmth to the interior, creating a rustic––yet modern––aesthetic. This clean line approach connects occupants with the scenery beyond and enhances overall energy efficiency, as Co-designers Derek Dellekamp and Jachen Schleich aimed to create a retreat that felt alive and engaging.

Adaptive Spaces for Family Interaction

Designed as a family retreat, Casa Girasol enables dynamic living where family members can engage, connect, and find comfort geographically and comfort-wise. Intimate pathways and distinctive layout design encourage interaction while still maintaining privacy, providing spaces for collective gatherings against the backdrop of the calming forest. The use of a massive concrete block for the central kitchen island inspires conversations while cooking, serving as a sturdy and stylish anchor in the family area.

Conclusion: A Gaze Towards the Future of Design

As Casa Girasol illustrates, innovative architecture can effectively tailor a living space to benefit from its environment. This unique structure not only addresses the climate's challenges but also enhances the living experience by intertwining functionality with aesthetic sensibilities. By embracing the challenges of sustainable design and construction, Casa Girasol stands as an exemplar for future residential initiatives. Are you inspired to bring such thoughtful design to your own home?

Let Us Design, Plan & Build Your Next Home or Remodel. Call 831-521-7729!

Architectural Excellence

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07.06.2025

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