68 DIGS.NET
| 12.16.22
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S W E E T D I G S | C O N C R E T E J U N G L E
and functionality, emphasizing the honesty
of the textures of the raw materials, such as
concrete, steel, clay, and wood."
At its heart is the project's covered infin-
ity pool and solarium. "The former alludes
to the vaulted volumes and the signature
style of Le Corbusier with rectilinear lines,
exposed loadbearing walls, lightweight
structures, and open-plan interiors." The
divisions of the terraced solarium, mean-
while, provide privacy. An adjacent volume
houses a modest but memorable offer-
ing of unfussy, minimally finished suites:
those on the ground floor enjoy gardens;
upper-level offerings showcase a terrace
and outdoor bath. Transversal walls and
circular cuts of raw concrete and temple-
like steps—the most conspicuous nod to
ancient Oaxacan building traditions—are
This is not a building found on every block—
not in Mexico, not anywhere—but a building
born from blended inspirations.
Taking its name from the idea of "serene
contemplation of an enclosed space," as
put by the property, Casa TO "evokes the
reticulated pattern of two historical hydrau-
lic works of timeless beauty: the Basilica
Cistern or Yerebatan Sarayi of Istanbul,
dating from the 6th century AD, and
the Hornsey Wood Reservoir in Finsbury
Park, London, built in the 19th century.
The interplay of privacy and exposure is
evident. The interior views create an oasis
enclosed by the sky, the weight of the walls
and the vegetation of climbing plants and
fruit trees including bananas and passion
fruit. In this area, measuring 600 square
meters, Godefroy interweaves aesthetics
