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creating a space of serenity while serving as a refuge, TACO (taller de arquitectura contextual) has designed ‘casa gabriela’ — a single-detached dwelling located in the south mexican city of merida. tucked away from the street, this purposeful siting enables the property to form a ‘plazoleta’ ie, a small square which is popular among traditional yucatecan architecture. having this extra area sitting in front of the home serves as a public area for social purposes and subtly highlights the building’s access.

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all images by leo espinosa

 

 

perceived in the interior spaces and in the front of the home, water features permeate the home, offering a visual connection between the building and nature. characterized by its clay-like, concrete structure, the natural form of the building was arranged to achieve an optimum internal temperature, ventilation, while the low-lying roofs are thermally isolated with polystyrene panels.

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the double heights have zenith openings that allows hot air to escape

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due to the climate, mosquitoes are a problem and permits constant natural ventilation due to windows being shut

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the stucco walls and concrete floors gives an unexpected warmth

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bathroom

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water features run throughout the home

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 concrete lattices protect the inside of the house from rain, vandalism and hurricanes

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walls and low ceilings use a burnished waterproof cement based stucco

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the lattice, tiled walls seen throughout is a consistent feature throughout

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the property at night

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model of casa gabriela / TACO arquitectura