Shi House is a minimalist residence located in Morelia, Mexico, designed by HW Studio. The design integrates two primary elements: a stone structure containing stairways and circulation areas, and a stark white horizontal block that hosts the house’s functional spaces. The choice of stone not only complements the rugged mountainous backdrop but is also designed to merge with it over time and under the influence of weather conditions. In contrast, the expansive white volume stands out, creating a visual dialogue between the natural environment and the built form. This concept draws inspiration from a principle found in some Eastern philosophies, where juxtaposing opposites intensifies the experience of both. Here, the organic complexity of a lush mountain is set against the geometric simplicity of the home’s design. To ensure privacy, the house features a solid wall on the side facing the neighbors, while opening up on the other sides to views of a golf course and a nature reserve.
These openings are elegantly framed by just the floor and roof, extending across the main social areas like the living room, dining room, and kitchen. This architectural framing technique enhances the scenic views of the ravine, turning the house into a living picture frame. Privacy is paramount in the bedrooms and other private spaces, which are designed without exterior windows. Instead, these areas receive light from a long central courtyard that acts as a secluded family gathering space, connecting skyward. A distinct division separates the house’s social areas from the private quarters, marked by a long corridor leading towards the golf course. This pathway is defined by a gently curved wall, softening the linear progression and paying homage to the three women in the family. The house is engineered to seem as if it lightly touches the mountain, with the end of its base slab appearing to float. This illusion is supported by pilings dressed with earth from the site’s excavation, suggesting that the structure is merely resting atop the mountain rather than being anchored to it.
