Set within the mountainous landscape of Valle de Bravo, where the forest opens toward the lake and the topography takes center stage, Hanging House emerges as a retreat that explores the relationship between architecture, nature, and contemplation.
The project, completed by Luciano Gerbilsky Arquitectura, blends into the rugged terrain and surrounding vegetation of its 1.3-acre plot in the exclusive area of El Coporito. The house, with a built area of 29,000 square feet, is conceived as a series of volumes suspended between rocky outcrops and water features. It gets its name from this composition, where the volumes appear to hang from large-scale roof planes.
The program is organized into three main volumes: two house the private and social areas, and a third independent structure functions as a music auditorium designed for intimate acoustic experiences. The residence extends to the lower part of the site, where the Lake Club incorporates a sandy beach, a navigable pond, and gathering areas that expand the experience to the horizon.
Water is one of the project’s defining elements. From the entrance, streams, cascades, and reflecting pools flow between the volumes, connecting the different areas via suspended bridges. This sequence shapes the spatial experience by accompanying movement with sound, reflections, and motion. The residence incorporates several sustainable strategies, such as cross ventilation, passive solar control, ample natural lighting, and solar panels.
The spatial organization responds to a constant openness toward the surroundings, articulated through fragmented volumes that generate intermediate courtyards. This arrangement provides direct views of the gardens and expansive views of Lake Valle de Bravo. The bedrooms are conceived as independent units, each featuring a balcony, terrace, wood storage, and a private fire pit to establish a direct relationship between the interior and the landscape.
Inside, the residence operates as a habitable gallery, displaying works by artists such as Juan Soriano and Jan Hendrix. A notable feature is a lighting installation composed of 190 drum cymbals designed by the firm. Other custom-designed lighting, furniture, and elements reflect the shared vision of the studio and the family.
The overall result is a retreat designed to experience the silence of the forest, the presence of water, and the beauty of the landscape, where luxury is expressed through calm and respect for nature.
Photography by Alfonso de Béjar.
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