388 Monterrey House – Herzog & de Meuron
The Monterrey House is a single-family residence designed to fit the specific lifestyle of its owners. Situated on the northern slope of the eastern Sierra Madre, approximately 500 meters above the Monterrey Valley with a view towards Cerro de las Mitras, the project is located in an area characterized by suburban villas that adapt to the prevailing topography. The landscape is composed of a diverse mix of pine and holm oak trees interspersed with exposed outcroppings of rock; this terrain and the view to the valley below, combined with the client’s unique vision for their family home, informed the project from the start. A fruitful relationship emerged between architect and owner, enriching the project throughout the entire process.
The project’s fundamental structure is defined by volumes arranged perpendicularly to the slope. Overlaying this orthogonal order are horizontal and vertical voids in the massing in the form of courtyards and carved-out volumes, including the pool. The topography influences the overall volumetric composition and the layout of circulation routes, which either cut into or conform to the terrain. This configuration allows for continuity between interior and exterior, allowing the residents to enjoy a seamless indoor-to-outdoor lifestyle.
To leverage local expertise and construction techniques, the project incorporates the use of regional materials handled by local skilled workers alongside traditional building practices.
