Within a woodland in Valle de Bravo, central Mexico, a minimalistic, contemporary home subtly emerges from the natural surroundings. Called Copas, the design is the work of Mexico City-based firm Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados (PPAA).

The 10,400-square-foot house prioritizes a close and restrained relationship with the environment. As noted by the architects, the main intention was to create an open upper floor that connects directly with the site’s treetops, forming a deeper sense of immersion in the outdoors. This proximity to the surrounding foliage helps shape the building’s ambiance and views.

The design team aimed to minimize the impact of Copas’ construction on the environment. The residence adapts to the natural topography of the site by absorbing the slope and having minimal excavation.

The home’s public spaces are elevated one level above the ground, introducing a series of platforms that blend with the landscape.

This allows residents to experience nature in different ways, the architects say, depending on their location in the house. The first floor, on the other hand, is more secluded and quiet as it features the bedrooms.

The concept of the house is meant to evoke the experience of climbing a mountain, in which views are uncovered as one ascends.