Located 20 kilometers away from the coastline in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico where the average humidity is 90-60%, Casa UNO was inspired by the architecture and the sustainable designs and techniques of the Mayan culture.
Casa UNO Technical Information
- Architects: Juan Pablo Baeza / Fábrica Móvil
- Location: Yucatán peninsula, Mexico
- Topics: Mexican Houses
- Project Year: 2021
- Photographs: © Juan Pablo Baeza / Fábrica Móvil
The project seeks to reference and link contemporary and traditional architecture from the region.
– Juan Pablo Baeza
Casa UNO Photographs
Text by the Architects
Architectural design deals with the harsh climatic conditions of the site by using materials, techniques, and vernacular references from the region. The composition scheme presents an alternative to the traditional configuration and relationship of spaces in this project.
The building layout takes advantage of the north-facing plot while preserving the four existing trees found at the site. New green areas that serve as transition spaces between the exterior and interior are proposed on the front, back, and east sides.
The north façade features a group of angled walls that support a concrete screen made with precast blocks resembling the pattern found at the “Cuadrángulo de las Monjas” in Uxmal. These elements shade the house reducing the thermal gain due to solar radiation without blocking the natural airflow, allowing for cross-ventilation and passive cooling.
A walkway bordering the east façade leads to a central garden where the house’s main entrance is. Inside, the ceiling height is 4 meters for the first floor and 3 meters for the second. This height allows the space to remain fresh without consuming energy. The exterior sunshades on the windows restrict the interior sun exposure.
On the outside, the applied finish is a stucco with waterproof properties based on white cement, sand, and the resin obtained by boiling the bark of the chukum tree. For the interior, a natural lime-based paint with mineral pigments was made. These materials and techniques were used previously by the Mayan culture.
The project seeks to reference and link contemporary and traditional architecture from the region.
Casa UNO Plans
Casa UNO Image Gallery
About Juan Pablo Baeza
Juan Pablo Baeza / Fábrica Móvil is an architecture studio based in Mérida, México. Casa UNO, completed in 2021, is the architect’s first building to be executed. Baeza (born August 12, 1996 in México) attended the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM.
Works from Juan Pablo Baeza
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