Laboratorio de Arquitectura explores "sensory potential" of concrete block in Querétaro
Local studio Laboratorio de Arquitectura has completed a house with a design geared towards the use of custom concrete blocks in Querétaro, Mexico.
Known as the Capuchinas House, the 477-square-metre residence is located in suburban Querétaro.
The house's identity is rooted in contextual response, rather than following the generic typologies of its neighbours.
"Capuchinas House is an exploration of the expressive and sensory potential of a single material – an opportunity to design not only a structure but an atmosphere through light, shadow and texture," architect Juan Carlos Kelly of Laboratorio de Arquitectura told Dezeen.
The project's focal point is a sand-coloured concrete block that measures 4 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm.
"Its unique proportions and tongue-and-groove system allowed the architects to create a continuous, joint-free surface that defines both structure and finish," the studio said.
"This single element drives the architectural identity and aesthetic unity of the entire project."
The block is used as both the full cladding in some spaces and as a lattice-like facade that serves as a solar screen privacy filter and exterior perimeter of the terrace space.
On the inside, the block creates the finished wall surface and screens that balance privacy and openness.
"This disciplined material use creates a unified architectural and sensory experience," the studio said, explaining that the block was both the design's biggest challenge and biggest success.
"It demanded in-depth research into its modular logic, construction behavior and aesthetic performance, ensuring it could articulate structure, enclosure and atmosphere without losing coherence or function," the studio explained.
"The project demonstrated that restraint can generate richness – that focusing deeply on one material or idea can produce a diversity of spaces, mood, and experiences."
The house is organised for efficiency for one person, with the option to host many guests.
The ground floor holds the living, dining, kitchen and lounge spaces in a long bar, while the primary suite makes up the southeastern portion of the house.
Upstairs, three suites are arranged along a corridor with walls of windows looking out over the southwest side of the property.
In the basement, a four-car garage connects to the service spaces and an extra bedroom with access to a sunken courtyard.
A large terrace space intersects the main level of the house, creating a courtyard-like backyard and opening the house to cross-ventilation around a planted microclimate.
"The landscaping reinforces this connection through the use of native, low-water species, the relocation of existing trees and the creation of a central garden tree that functions as both a visual and climatic anchor," the studio said, explaining that the drought-tolerant plantings reduce water usage while prompting an ecological dialogue with the site.
Other designs recently completed in Quéretaro include a vaulted, warehouse-like restaurant by CAAM + Arquitectos, a basalt-clad home with a rooftop pool by Reims 502 and a pink-toned apartment complex renovation by Heryco.
The photography is by Ariadna Polo.
Project credits:
Studio: Laboratorio de Arquitectura
Architect: Juan Carlos Kelly
Design team: Ixchel Muñoz, Saúl Cabrera, Paulina Moreno
Landscaping: Ixchel Muñoz Paisajismo
Furniture: DFC
Carpentry: ANKUI
Construction: SPEC
Structural design: Juan Carlos Cisneros
Coverings: Procesos en mármoles de Querétaro
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