The recently completed Amanali residence by Rojkind Arquitectos is composed of a cluster of stacked volumes. Located in the northern part of Mexico City near Tepeji Del Rio—a small town whose name derives from the Aztec Nahuatl term meaning “giant rock” by the river—the house features a simple form with bold, rock-like geometric elements. Thanks to the town’s mild climate year-round, it has become a peaceful vacation spot for Mexico City residents. The Amanali residence blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings, erasing the boundary between indoors and nature. It is designed as a home that integrates garden and living spaces harmoniously.
Designed by Mexico City-based Rojkind Arquitectos, the Amanali residence visually reflects the natural environment. In line with the town’s name, the five prism-shaped volumes are clad in locally sourced dark, breathable stone. These separate volumes accommodate the living room, kitchen and dining area, and bedrooms. The design extends smoothly to the outdoors, connecting the blocks with winding exterior walkways. The adjacent rectangular plot slopes down toward a nearby golf course, offering views of the pool and distant mountains. Upon entering, visitors descend from street level and follow a private alley that evokes the medieval atmosphere of this hillside town, gradually revealing the residence.
The Amanali residence expresses a solemn design language characteristic of Rojkind Arquitectos. Like the Foro Boca concert hall, completed by the studio in 2018 on Mexico’s coast, this home features a robust, multi-faceted geometric cluster that appears to engage in dialogue with itself. Large glass gaps visually connect each volume, and an expandable frame opens onto a private terrace enveloped by lush greenery. The dark stone walls not only provide a striking aesthetic but also function as thermal collectors—absorbing solar heat during the day and releasing it at night. Indoor temperatures are naturally regulated through cross ventilation, while landscaping and materials are locally sourced and tailored to the site.
Design Drawings
▲ Analysis Figure 1
▲ Analysis Figure 2
▲ Analysis Figure 3
▲ Analysis Figure 4
▲ General Layout Plan
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Second Floor Plan
▲ East Elevation View
▲ West Elevation View
▲ North Elevation View
▲ Section 1
▲ Section 2
Project Information
Project Name: Amanali House
Architectural Design: Michel Rojkind, Gerardo Salinas
Design Team: Alfredo Hernández, Gad Peralta, Herminio González, Victoria Grossi, Bárbara Trujillo, Adrián Aguilar, Scarlet Baron de Grote, Adrián Krezlik, Beatriz Zavala, Daniel Gaytán, Andrea León, Rosalba Rojas, Lorena García Cordero Sasía
Project Location: Tepeji del Río, Hidalgo, Mexico
Structural Design: Juan Felipe Heredia Mellado
MEP: Church Architecture
Landscape Consultant: Entorno Taller de Paisaje
Lighting Consultant: Ditto Iluminación
Photography Copyright: Jaime Navarro
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