House 4, Apan Housing Laboratory

Project Details

Project Description

This project is part of the Apan Housing Laboratory, which is featured in the August 2019 issue of ARCHITECT.

FROM THE ARCHITECTS:

Redesigning the traditional Morelos dwelling as a large semi-open space with a multifunction roof, this proposal expands from single-storey local precedents to include a second-level terrace. Constructed in simple, readily available materials (bamboo, CMU) and acknowledging current living patterns, this truss-frame terrace is meant to be used for cooking, eating, and sleeping. Divided by a double-height, semi-open dining room and kitchen, the terrace maintains a connection with the rest of the house. The dwelling is fronted by a covered patio housing more public social functions including sleeping, dining, play, etc.

Notes: Innovative in its tectonic and material rethinking, this project’s primary element is its bamboo-truss canopy. Sloping downward to simultaneously enclose ground-floor patio and open up second-floor loft space, this roof defines a clear front and back for the house. If not entirely social, the home is resolutely open, offering minimal enclosure of living spaces while foregrounding public and private outdoor living. All unit growth, exceedingly simple to construct, will see the duplication of existing bamboo truss elements.

Project Details:
State: Morelos
Municipality: Xochitepec
Climate: Temperate Humid
Constructed Surface: 83.00 M2
Floor-to-ceiling height: 4.35 M
Roof Type: Shed
Orientation: N–S
Growth Option(s): Vertical
Title: Portico House (Casa Portico)
Wall Type: CMU or Bamboo Biopanels
Floor Type: Bamboo and Plywood, Polished Concrete
Structure: Bamboo Members and Panels
Roofing: Recycled Polyethylene Sheets (or Metal Sheathing)
Details: —
Finishes: Bamboo, Stucco

Project Credits:
Project: Apan Housing Laboratory
Architects: Rozana Montiel Estudio de Arquitectura