Kehai House

A contemplative residence in Morelia, embracing void and Zen philosophy. Kehai House, designed by HW Studio, is a profound exploration of space and void, drawing inspiration from Zen philosophy and Japanese aesthetics. Located in Morelia, Michoacán, México, the house is a personal project of the architect, reflecting a journey towards simplicity and introspection. From the exterior, the house presents itself as a quiet, stone-like box within the urban landscape. However, this apparent hermeticism conceals a delicate stone garden at its heart, reminiscent of Kyoto's temples. The garden, with its carefully arranged stones, serves not as decoration but as the organizing core of the house, around which the living spaces orbit. The interior is defined by its minimalism and the absence of unnecessary elements. The kitchen and dining area, with its double-height ceiling, and the living room are separated by an open passage, encouraging interaction with the elements. Shoji doors, crafted from rice paper, filter light into soft, time-infused shadows, creating a serene atmosphere. The bedroom, a minimal and intimate space, features a singular circular window offering views of a central tree, reinforcing the connection between the interior and the natural world. The house eschews glass, with only three small windows framing views of the surrounding landscape. The entrance descends, a gesture of humility, aligning with the spiritual ethos of the design. This descent symbolizes a bowing before the sacredness of the space.

Design Highlights

Central stone garden as the organizing heart Minimalist interior with double-height kitchen and dining area Shoji doors for soft, time-infused light Intimate bedroom with a circular window Descending entrance as a spiritual gesture

Key Facts