DESIGN DESCRIPTION
Ariché Dwellings
For the Indigenous rural population, Tarahumara country
Through a unique excavation strategy, the architecture promotes a modular and sustainable growing scheme for self-building, harmoniously integrating the natural environment with innovative construction techniques.
The site’s topography is meticulously transformed to create a flourishing oasis, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The earth material excavated during this transformation is ingeniously repurposed to make adobe bricks. These bricks are handcrafted by the owners, fostering a deep sense of connection and ownership, and are used to create the main retaining wall, a vital structural element of the project. This wall not only supports the structure but also embodies the project’s ethos of sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Steel beams, generously donated by a nearby industry, are utilized to modulate adjacent to the adobe wall, forming a series of growing modules. These modules are designed to maximize agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact. The integration of steel beams with adobe bricks exemplifies a harmonious blend of traditional and modern building materials, enhancing the durability and functionality of the structures.
A “Tecorral” wall, constructed from residual self-supported site stone, elegantly divides the harvesting cultivation areas. This wall serves multiple purposes: it protects the crops and dwellings from the harsh desert wind storms, creates a microclimate conducive to agriculture, and adds an aesthetically pleasing element to the landscape. The careful placement of these stone walls ensures that they are visible at the observer’s level, enhancing the visual experience of the site.
Additionally, taller walls are strategically placed at the water-septic unit, allowing harvested residuals to be kept in a designated composting and decomposing area. This feature not only contributes to the sustainability of the project by recycling organic waste but also enriches the soil, promoting a healthier growing environment.
Overall, the project’s interlaced landscape and Tecorral walls create a cohesive and functional environment that supports sustainable living and self-reliance. The innovative use of local materials and resources, combined with thoughtful design and community involvement, results in an architectural masterpiece that is both ecologically responsible and visually striking.
Credits:
Design Architect: Paul Cremoux W.
Client: DIL int. Vivienda.
Municipio de Urique, Chihuahua.
Gobierno Federal.
