Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos
A high-walled courtyard runs parallel to this long black house in Mexico City by DCPP Arquitectos.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_12.jpg)
The plot is divided into two narrow rectangles, with the house on one side and the courtyard on the other.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_2.jpg)
Inside the courtyard is a wooden screen which stands out against the surrounding black walls.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_1.jpg)
Glazing on the courtyard side of the house provides views to the outdoor space from the kitchen, living area and upstairs bedroom.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_6.jpg)
Stairs at the far end of the house lead up to a bedroom and extra living area on the middle floor.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_3.jpg)
Another set of stairs in the centre of the house lead to a further two bedrooms and an outdoor terrace on the top floor.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_5.jpg)
We've also recently featured proposals by DCPP Arquitectos for a tower block with protruding swimming pools - see it here alongside a few more of their projects.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_11.jpg)
See all our stories from Mexico »
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_7.jpg)
Photographs are by Onnis Luque.
Here's some more information from DCPP Arquitectos:
Cerrada Reforma 108 is a residential project located in San Ángel, in the south of Mexico City. The plot is rectangular and its dimensions are 10 x 20 metres.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_10.jpg)
The concept of the house parted from the idea of positive and negative space, seeking to create a game of counterparts to define and virtually contain the exterior space.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_8.jpg)
We decided to construct only half of the plot with a longitudinal block of 5 x 20 metres that corresponds to the house.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_9.jpg)
The negative space is conceived as the open space or public area, which is contained but not occupied, it has exactly the same dimensions but is not built, creating a dialogue between this counterparts.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_14.gif)
Ground floor plan – click above for larger image
The built block dialogues with its open counterpart through a transparent façade all along the side, leaving open one of its faces.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_15.gif)
First floor plan – click above for larger image
In this way, the only closed elements are the private areas such as bathrooms and kitchen.
![Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos Casa Cerrada Reforma 108 by DCPP Arquitectos](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/08/dezeen_Casa-Cerrada-Reforma-108-by-DCPP-Arquitectos_16.gif)
Second floor plan – click above for larger image
The counterpart of the transparent façade is a solid wall with the same height that contains the open space. This helps close the visibility towards the neighbours, giving privacy to the house.