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
Private rental sector, living standards and fuel poverty
Report from the NRH in partnership with Impact on Urban Health.
.Cold chain condensing units market update
Tracking the evolution of commercial refrigeration unit markets.
Attending a conservation training course, personal account
The benefits of further learning for professsionals.
Restoring Alexander Pope's grotto
The only surviving part of his villa in Twickenham.
International Women's Day 8 March, 2025
Accelerating Action for For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
Lack of construction careers advice threatens housing targets
CIOB warning on Government plans to accelerate housebuilding and development.
Shelter from the storm in Ukraine
Ukraine’s architects paving the path to recovery.
BSRIA market intelligence division key appointment
Lisa Wiltshire to lead rapidly growing Market Intelligence division.
A blueprint for construction’s sustainability efforts
Practical steps to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Timber in Construction Roadmap
Ambitious plans from the Government to increase the use of timber in construction.
ECA digital series unveils road to net-zero.
Retrofit and Decarbonisation framework N9 launched
Aligned with LHCPG social value strategy and the Gold Standard.
Competence framework for sustainability
In the built environment launched by CIC and the Edge.
Institute of Roofing members welcomed into CIOB
IoR members transition to CIOB membership based on individual expertise and qualifications.
Join the Building Safety Linkedin group to stay up-to-date and join the debate.
Government responds to the final Grenfell Inquiry report
A with a brief summary with reactions to their response.