The Capuchinas House, a 477-square-meter residence in suburban Querétaro, Mexico, represents a bold architectural statement by local studio Laboratorio de Arquitectura. The home's design centers on the innovative use of custom concrete blocks to create a unified sensory experience. Architect Juan Carlos Kelly led the project with a clear vision to explore how a single material could define both structure and atmosphere. The house stands apart from neighboring properties by responding directly to its context rather than following generic residential typologies. This approach demonstrates how material restraint can generate architectural richness and create a distinctive identity.

The project's defining element is a sand-colored concrete block measuring 4 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm, featuring a unique tongue-and-groove system. This specialized design allowed architects to create continuous, joint-free surfaces throughout the interior and exterior. The blocks serve multiple functions simultaneously, acting as full cladding, structural elements, and lattice-like screens. When used as a facade, the blocks filter sunlight while providing privacy and defining the terrace perimeter. Inside, they create finished wall surfaces that balance openness with seclusion through carefully placed openings that modulate light and shadow.

The house is organized for efficient single-person living while accommodating large gatherings of guests. The ground floor contains living, dining, kitchen, and lounge spaces arranged in a long bar configuration. The primary suite occupies the southeastern portion of the main level, offering privacy and natural light. Upstairs, three additional bedroom suites line a corridor with expansive windows overlooking the southwest portion of the property. The basement level features a four-car garage connected to service areas and an extra bedroom with access to a sunken courtyard.

A large terrace intersects the main level, creating a courtyard-like backyard that enables cross-ventilation and establishes a planted microclimate. The landscaping strategy incorporates native, drought-tolerant species to reduce water consumption and foster ecological dialogue with the site. Existing trees were relocated to preserve the property's mature vegetation. A central garden tree serves as both a visual focal point and climatic anchor, reinforcing the connection between built and natural environments. This integration of indoor and outdoor spaces reflects a thoughtful approach to sustainable design in Mexico's arid climate.

The disciplined material use created the project's biggest challenge and greatest success, requiring extensive research into modular logic and construction behavior. The studio investigated how the block could articulate structure, enclosure, and atmosphere without sacrificing coherence or function. This deep focus on a single material produced diverse spatial experiences, moods, and atmospheric qualities throughout the home. The project demonstrates that architectural restraint can yield unexpected richness and variety. The Capuchinas House proves that limitations can inspire creativity rather than constrain it.

Querétaro has recently seen several notable architectural projects, including a vaulted restaurant by CAAM Arquitectos and a basalt-clad home with a rooftop pool by Reims 502. The Capuchinas House adds to this growing design conversation with its material-focused approach. Photography by Ariadna Polo documents the project's textural qualities and interplay of light and shadow. The design team included Ixchel Muñoz, Saúl Cabrera, and Paulina Moreno, with landscaping by Ixchel Muñoz Paisajismo. Structural engineering by Juan Carlos Cisneros and coverings by Procesos en mármoles de Querétaro completed the collaborative effort.