Slopes, Snakes, and Slides Wrap Around ‘Casa de los Milagros’ in Photographs by Naser Nader Ibrahim — Colossal



Design
Nature

#animals
#architecture
#Naser Nader Ibrahim

On the outskirts of Xalapa, Veracruz in Mexico, a striking terracotta-colored dwelling sits among patches of trees. Standing before the distinctive structure, its exterior boasts fluctuating convex slopes that rise and fall from top to bottom as circular-shaped windows emphasize natural curves. From an aerial perspective, Rosalinda Ulloa—the homeowner—recalls that many have described the house’s shape as, “a mushroom, an octopus, a bat cave, a flower, and even pie-topping meringue.”

Dubbed Casa de los Milagros, or House of Miracles, the architectural wonder’s construction process began in 1955 and took place in stages over the course of 47 years until its completion in 2002. In 2021, Mexico-based Kurdish photographer and architect Naser Nader Ibrahim captured photographs of the unique creation. Designed by the late Danilo Veras Godoy, the project’s jumping-off point was simply asking Ulloa what her wildest dreams were.

On the outside, these visions came to fruition in the form of tiled mosaic-covered slides and patios, large skylight windows, and sliding poles. On the inside, sun-soaked bedrooms incorporate steps that lead to cozy lofted beds with lulling windows for stargazing, bookshelves and reading nooks are tucked into alcoves nestled underneath sets of stairs, and a spacious, bright kitchen glows from stained-glass windows depicting a toucan and peacock. In a description of the project, Casa de los Milagros is described as “a quilt, parts of it made from found and gifted materials.”

For more architectural awes, see Ibrahim’s website and Instagram. (via designboom)

#animals
#architecture
#Naser Nader Ibrahim

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. You’ll connect with a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about contemporary art, read articles and newsletters ad-free, sustain our interview series, get discounts and early access to our limited-edition print releases, and much more. Join now!