DESIGN DESCRIPTION
The project foresees the opportunity to use reinterpretation as a consistent creative tool. The new construction relates to history and accustomed living behavior patterns by mimicking an orientation strategy and an elementary functional diagram. Open space allows direct sunlight to enter from the south side; the east and the west side are offset inner plots, so the only north side is at the property line. The idea is to transition from a 2,754 sq. ft. old construction to a 1,937 sq. ft. one, with the same program but with roughly different space-quality experiences.
Weather analysis helps us decide various vital features: Mexico City’s climate plays a critical role, since 70% of the days of the year are suitable for outdoor living. The main living-dining area can be completely open to the decked terrace, making the relatively small indoor space larger. The deck floor transforms into the façade; this is the patio elevation that will be enjoyed most of the time.
The roof collects all rainwater and the main terrace, then passes through two primary carbon-activated filters and becomes drinking water, so there is almost no reliance on the grid for water. Using our performance-based design procedure, we estimate a monthly maintenance cost of $15 USD (electricity and natural gas included). We worked with Green Building Studio and Sefaira metrics to achieve energy savings and the 2030 challenge (yet to be performance-proven).
Credits.
Design Architect:
Paul Cremoux W.
Project Team:
Structural Engineering:
Arch. Ricardo Camacho
MEP Engineering, Sustainability Consultant, and vertical garden:
Ing. José Antonio Lino Mina, DIA.
General Contractor:
ARCO Arquitectura Contemporánea
and PAUL CREMOUX studio.
Photos by:
PCW.
