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
Rising concern over construction worker wellbeing
Urgent need for open communication to address mental health issues.
New engineering alliance forms
Guidance offered on COVID-19 green recovery, building safety and more.
Providing strength and support above the joists.
Construction Products Regulator
Enforcer will test and investigate product safety.
London landmark receives a high tech upgrade
Underfloor air conditioning comes to 24 St James's Square.
Consultation on public right to buy unused public property.
Guidance for listed building alterations
IHBC resource offers improved consistency.
New laws to ‘retain and explain’ historic statues.
The principles and art of the possible. Book review.
From horse and cart to hypermarket.
Interdependent and interconnected
How elements and processes work together in a systems approach.
Quality Management in Construction
CIOB offers digital guide to proactive methods of working.