A distinctive circular clubhouse designed by Taller Ezequiel Aguilar Martínez has been completed in Atlixco, Mexico, featuring a curved stone pavilion that encloses a central reflecting pool. La Pedrera serves as the clubhouse for the Cola de Lagarto development, situated on the outskirts of Atlixco, Puebla, approximately two hours from Mexico City. The innovative structure blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The clubhouse is strategically positioned within the Tentzo mountain range, a semi-desert environment characterized by acacias, yuccas, and wild grasses. Built on a hill within the development, the structure offers breathtaking views of nearby golf courses, the Atlixco valley, and the majestic Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes. This privileged location directly influenced the project's circular layout, which opens the building to its surroundings while accommodating essential facilities including a restaurant, leisure rooms, restrooms, and various amenities.
The architectural concept centers on a series of concentric rings arranged around a central space featuring a reflecting pool. The design employs a carefully selected materials palette that includes locally sourced stone, wood, and concrete elements, all photographed by Amy Bello. The layered circular design creates a harmonious integration of natural materials that complement the surrounding landscape.
The outermost ring consists of curved stone walls made from locally sourced materials that emerge organically from the hillside slope. This exterior structure supports the main platform housing most of the building's program while allowing portions of the structure to be built underground, taking advantage of the natural hillside topography. The program is efficiently distributed across ground and underground levels, while the roof slab functions as a 360-degree viewing deck complete with a multipurpose area designed for temporary events.
A perimeter corridor positioned between the outer and second rings serves dual purposes as both a balcony and service area. The second ring features a glazed facade that establishes a visual connection between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape while optimizing natural light throughout the building. The innermost third ring incorporates rotating wooden doors, providing flexibility to make spaces as open or closed to the exterior environment as needed.
A prominent feature of the design is a large oculus positioned in the concrete slab at the building's center, which frames the surrounding landscape elements and subtly marks the structure's presence in the natural environment. This central opening allows natural light to filter down to the reflecting pool below, creating dynamic light patterns throughout the day.
According to Taller Ezequiel Aguilar Martínez studio, maintaining an appropriate scale that respects the natural surroundings was a fundamental aspect of the building's concept. The architects prioritized using materials that would age gracefully over time, ensuring the structure would blend seamlessly into its natural context as it matures. This approach reflects a commitment to sustainable design principles and environmental sensitivity in architectural practice.
