Casa San Buenaventura / Manuel Parra

 Casa San Buenaventura by Manuel Parra was built from 1991-1993.

Parra, true to his style, incorporated many reclaimed architectural elements and building materials from demolished historic buildings.   

The house is located in the gated ecological community, Tlalpuente II. The community, along with the original Tlalpuente, has a set of strict environmental guidelines geared at keeping the area more rural and lessening the impact of the development, which is located amidst a forest. Permeable surfaces, along with water and energy conservation measures are required. 

They also call the house Castillo (Castle).

"On May 3, 1993, the Day of the Holy Cross, this house was finished with happiness. Mr. and Mrs. German and Pia Flores built it with the help of Master Trini Quintana and his assistant Manuel Parra."

Parra incorporated many ceramics into his projects. Some were by him and many were by Gorky González. Even works by Parra were fired in Gorky's workshop. 

Parra also built a number of houses for Gorky and his family. They were located in Santa Rosa, Cerro de Los Leones, Puerta Falsa, Pastita, and an exhibition space for his Gorky's ceramics.

Lids as coat racks near the entrance.

Floors throughout the house are done in exoctic woods, such as Cocobolo. 

Many of the rooms have brick dome ceilings.  

I think the kitchen floors are Onyx.

The layout makes for all sorts of interesting levels and spaces, both indoor and out.

Source: Manuel Parra: El Otro Arquitecto

Notes from when the pieces were collected from demolition sites.

The house is currently for sale. Thanks to Mexico City Modern and Daniel Ostaszewski for taking the time to show it to me. At 8k Sq. Ft, it's a lot of house for the money (under $ 1 million)!