In Naucalpan, near Mexico City, stands El Nido de Quetzalcóatl. Inspired by the Aztec serpent deity, this architectural marvel merges myth with modernity, boasting a scaled exterior, minimalist interiors, and sustainable gardens.
This sculptural dwelling, captured in stark detail by Latvian photographer Anna Dave, embodies the principles of organic architecture as envisioned by its creator, Javier Senosiain Aguilar.
Drawing inspiration from the Aztec god Quetzalcóatl, who was represented as a serpent, Senosiain's masterpiece elegantly intertwines the human necessity for shelter with the contours of the natural environment. The structure, which was officially completed in 2007, sprawls over a 5,000-square-metre expanse, now housing 10 unique apartments within the main serpentine body.
Organic architecture, as posited by Senosiain, seeks a profound harmony between man-made habitats and their surrounding natural context. Echoing the thoughts of Juan O'Gorman, an advocate for respecting the nuances of place and tradition, El Nido manifests these ideals. The process was both deliberate and respectful; every design decision took into consideration the site's existing topographical challenges, from caves and pronounced level curves to a glen that dissected the land.
Though the exterior gives the appearance of a shimmering, scaled serpent, the interiors present a stark contrast. Minimalist in design, white plaster envelopes the walls, while the sloping shelves mirror the curvature of the building's façade. The floors display a blend of regularly patterned tiles interspersed with carpeted segments.
Interestingly, the snake's form was not the primary design principle. As Senosiain mentions, the serpentine structure emerged more as a serendipitous accident than a calculated design choice. Yet, this "accident" offers a delightful and captivating experience for both its designers and its inhabitants. Starting from the parking area, one is invited into the body of the snake, meandering through its winding corridors and descending staircases, experiencing the architectural rhythm and flow from one apartment to the next.
Beyond its residential spaces, the complex extends its embrace to the local environment. Adjacent to the main structure, sculptures meander into a meticulously designed garden adorned with terraced lawns and ponds. These water bodies not only augment the site's aesthetics but also serve functional purposes — cooling the area and ensuring adequate humidity for the indigenous flora.
Furthermore, in a nod to sustainable practices, the complex boasts a treatment facility dedicated to recycling water, which is then repurposed for irrigation.
El Nido de Quetzalcóatl stands as a testament to the wonders that can be achieved when architecture harmoniously dialogues with its environment. Through Senosiain's vision and Dave's evocative photography, we witness a space where the past melds with the present, myth intertwines with reality, and nature seamlessly fuses with design.
