Architect Ludwig Godefroy has unveiled his latest architectural project, Casa Soskil, in the culturally rich city of Mérida. The home challenges conventional design by placing the garden, or empty space, at its core—turning nature into the main living zone.
Like his earlier Casa Mérida, Godefroy uses raw concrete as the foundation. But here, he pushes boundaries further. Instead of building around rooms, he designed the house around a central open space. The result is a home that breathes with its surroundings and blurs the line between indoors and outdoors.
A Home Designed Around Empty Space
The project’s focus is not on what was built, but on what was left untouched. The garden acts as the heart of the home, shaping the layout and guiding the flow between spaces. Stretching from the entrance to the back of the property, this open area integrates trees, pathways, and seating. Even the existing trees were preserved, playing a key role in the living experience.
Rather than enclosing the house in greenery, Godefroy flipped the idea—he placed the home inside the garden.
Sunlit and Shaded Zones Shape the Flow
The plot divides naturally into two areas. At the front, intense sunlight fills the space, creating a lively atmosphere. A terrace, solarium, and pool occupy this section, forming the social heart of the home.
At the rear, large trees filter the light. This shaded section offers peace and quiet. It includes a study, daybed lounge, and fire pit, perfect for reflection or rest. These contrasting zones—light and shadow—create a dynamic rhythm that enhances the home’s character.
Nature-First Design With Treehouse Bedrooms
Godefroy placed the bedrooms on raised platforms, tucked among the trees. These upper-level spaces feel like treehouses, giving each room privacy and views into the garden. Meanwhile, the ground floor remains open and interconnected, encouraging a flow between nature and daily life.
By removing hard boundaries between indoors and out, Casa Soskil reimagines what a modern home can be. It is not a house next to a garden—it’s a garden with a home inside it.