Main author
Michael BrooksNautilus House
See the full list of Unusual buildings of the week here.
Nautilus House, located near Mexico City, Mexico, is a whimsical shell-shaped house that is an extraordinary example of ‘bio-architecture’. The house was designed by Javier Senosiain of Arquitectura Organica, and inspired by the work of Gaudi and Frank Lloyd Wright.
The house was named after the shells of the nautilus cephalopod, the logarithmic spiral of which the building mimics with its curved concave shapes.
The structure was created using ferro-cement and consists of a frame of steel-enforced small-diameter chicken wire which is coated with a thin layer of concrete. This material weighs less than brick and is earthquake resistant.
The technique allows rounded natural curves to be formed, which avoids the necessity of bearing walls or columns. It offers continuity between the ground plane, walls and roof, creating the impression of the building emerging organically from the ground.
The house is illuminated with natural light from above as well as from the external wall which is lined with hundreds of small rainbow-coloured stained glass windows.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Tackling the lack of knowledge or confidence in heat pumps
The CICV Green Home Festival part of the Edinburgh Fringe.
Home improvements swapped for green energy upgrades
As applications down since and desire to reduce bills up.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
The Use of Natural Insulation Materials in Retrofit
New paper from STBA with support from SDF.
National Retrofit Hub in partnership with InstallerSHOW.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.
Biodiversity and the built environment digital series
The nature of building, with CIOB and CWP.
A call for prevention and sensitive re-use.
Risks to the long-term effectiveness of the BNG scheme
National Audit Office publish review of Biodiversity Net Gain.
The CIAT principal designer register
Providing assurance and verification of the capability and competence of registered ATs.
Building Safety recommendations and Northern Ireland
The NI roadmap to improving safety in high rise residential.
Specifying rendered external wall insulation for fire safety
How to interrogate the evidence provided to the specifier.
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.