- Location: Naucalpan, State of Mexico, Mexico
- Architect: Javier Senosiain
- Collaborators: Luis Raúl Enríquez Montiel
- Photographers: Jaime Jacott, Francisco Lubbert, Senosiain
- Built Area: 330 m²
- Completion Year: 2007
- Status: Built
Designed by renowned Mexican architect Javier Senosiain, the Nautilus House is an extraordinary organic structure located in Naucalpan, just northwest of Mexico City. Inspired by the natural forms of mollusks, the house features a spiraling, shell-like design that flows seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The 330 square meter home was built to reflect the principles of nature and human functionality, offering a harmonious living space that blurs the boundaries between architecture and the natural world.
Architectural Concept
Senosiain’s design philosophy for the Nautilus House emphasizes organic, freeform shapes inspired by the natural world. The building’s distinctive spiral structure emerges naturally from the land, responding to its topography and optimizing the available views. The form of the house, resembling the shape of a nautilus shell, provides both aesthetic beauty and practical benefits, such as natural ventilation and energy efficiency.
The house is designed as a continuous, fluid space, devoid of rigid boundaries, where walls, floors, and ceilings blend into each other in a dynamic three-dimensional experience. The interior features sweeping curves, unique stained-glass windows, and natural materials that evoke a sense of tranquility and connection with the environment.
Sustainability and Materials
The Nautilus House employs ferrocement, a moldable, reinforced concrete material, which allows for the creation of sculptural, organic forms. The ferrocement shell is approximately 4 cm thick and provides structural rigidity, waterproofing, and thermal insulation. This material, combined with the spiral shape of the house, makes it highly resistant to seismic activity while also offering natural climate control.
Two underground ducts provide passive cooling and heating: in the summer, cool air enters the house, circulating through the spiral form and pushing warm air upwards and out; in winter, the system draws in warm air to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. The earth’s natural thermal properties, combined with the insulated roof and the surrounding greenery, create a stable indoor climate year-round.
Interior Design
Upon entering the Nautilus House, visitors experience a unique spatial journey. The house’s spiral form leads occupants through various areas, including the living room, dining area, and kitchen, all of which are integrated into a single, expansive space. The design evokes the feeling of a mollusk’s chambers, with continuous, flowing movement from one area to another.
The living space features a curved window that enhances the panoramic views and protects against the elements, while the furniture is seamlessly integrated into the architecture, further emphasizing the organic nature of the design. The floor is covered in a sand-colored carpet, creating a natural connection between the interior and the earth outside.
Exterior and Landscaping
The exterior of the Nautilus House is enveloped by a garden that doubles as a roof, covered with grass, shrubs, and trees that promote evapotranspiration. This green layer acts as a natural insulator, keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter while helping to purify the surrounding air. The combination of the earth’s thermal properties and the sun’s natural warmth ensures a stable, comfortable indoor climate, making the home an ideal anti-seismic shelter.
Conclusion
The Nautilus House by Javier Senosiain is a striking example of organic architecture, blending art, nature, and function. Its design celebrates the beauty of natural forms while addressing the practical needs of modern living. By drawing inspiration from the organic shapes found in nature, Senosiain has created a home that is both a work of art and a model of sustainability.
