Goko's House of Eight Gardens frames a variety of open-air courtyards
Eight glass-walled gardens offer views of greenery to the occupants of this minimally furnished house in Cuernavaca, Mexico, by architecture firm Goko (+ slideshow).
![House of 8 Gardens by Goko](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/House-in-Cuernavaca-by-GoKo-Architecture_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
The open-air spaces that give the project its name, House of Eight Gardens, were incorporated into the design by Mexico City-based Goko to enable daylight to illuminate the interior, as well to introduce elements of nature.
"Our goal was to create a house and relaxing experience of absolute rest, and to contribute to a better environment improving life quality," said the architects in a statement.
![House of 8 Gardens by Goko](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/House-in-Cuernavaca-by-GoKo-Architecture_dezeen_468_8.jpg)
An existing tree on the plot prompted the design team to develop a proposal where each of the living areas and bedrooms look out onto a different landscaped space.
![House of 8 Gardens by Goko](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/House-in-Cuernavaca-by-GoKo-Architecture_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
"Although our architecture plays a fundamental role on the house, it is through the insertion of spaces for contemplation of nature that we achieve one true experience," the architects said.
![House of 8 Gardens by Goko](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/House-in-Cuernavaca-by-GoKo-Architecture_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
At the centre of the property is a small pond enclosed by glass that allows views towards a tabachín tree – a small species common in the American tropics – from the surrounding rooms.
![House of 8 Gardens by Goko](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/House-in-Cuernavaca-by-GoKo-Architecture_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
The rest of the interior spaces emanate from this locus, with rooms arranged around the periphery opening onto other courtyards containing a variety of trees and ferns.
![House of 8 Gardens by Goko](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/House-in-Cuernavaca-by-GoKo-Architecture_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
A large garden at the rear of the house can be accessed from the main living area and a smaller family room, which both open onto a terrace sheltered by the overhanging roof.
![House of 8 Gardens by Goko](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/House-in-Cuernavaca-by-GoKo-Architecture_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
A small pool flanked by a row of stepping stones is located at one end of the garden and the master bedroom is situated in a wing at the opposite end.
![House of 8 Gardens by Goko](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/House-in-Cuernavaca-by-GoKo-Architecture_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
The master bedroom is bordered on two sides by a secluded bougainvillaea garden, behind which is an en-suite incorporating small green courtyards.
An orchard garden is positioned next to the property's entrance, while a plant-lined passage along one edge of the plot provides direct access to the garden at the rear.
![House of 8 Gardens by Goko](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/House-in-Cuernavaca-by-GoKo-Architecture_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
Travertine marble was used for flooring and walls throughout the interior to provide a sense of warmth and texture, with simple white walls helping to maximise the effect of sunlight that filters through pergola-like cross beams.
Photography is by Aki Itami R.
Project credits:
Architectural Design: Goko MX (Christopher Koehn, Jose Martín González)
Project Manager: Isaac Guzmán
Construction: Vansa
Landscape Design: Polen
Landscape Lighting: Martín Leal
![House of 8 Gardens by Goko](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/House-in-Cuernavaca-by-GoKo-Architecture_dezeen_1.gif)
![House of 8 Gardens by Goko](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/House-in-Cuernavaca-by-GoKo-Architecture_dezeen_2.gif)
![House of 8 Gardens by Goko](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/12/House-in-Cuernavaca-by-GoKo-Architecture_dezeen_3.gif)