covachita: workshop in mexico

‘workshop’ by covachita, nuevo leon, mexico image © covachita all images courtesy of covachita

in the town of san pedro garza garcia in the nuevo leon region of mexico, local firm covachita has completed their ‘workshop’ amongst the indigenous mountainous terrain overlooking a valley. the project stems largely from the experimentation in redesigning the typical rigid development process which most always compromises the potential of site and owner. the transient nature of the prefabricated system frees the designer from the legal fetters of local authorities and regional ordinances, and more importantly offers the capability for change at virtually no cost to the immediate environment.

the dwelling uses a set of rough raw materials, as if extracted directly from their source and tailored to suit their architectural purpose without conceding any purity. a light black steel frame sets up a modularity, infilled with large glass panels and natural stock plywood sheets covering the floor. the roof structure is a simple grid of wood beams and joists connected with standard hangers so that any piece can be easily (and economically) replaced at any point. the ‘temporary’ structure also forms a relationship to its ‘permanent’ site, using existing graffiti-ed concrete retaining wall sections and massive blocks as a backdrop and furniture pieces. large stones are fitted together to make a highly textured exterior floor. rebar mesh sheets are tied together to form pedestals for old pavers to create an outdoor staircase.

entry courtyard image © covachita

table and bench made from abandoned concrete slabs image © covachita

view towards entrance image © covachita

entry to house image © covachita

reflecting pond image © covachita

glass walls wrap the structure image © covachita

original wall left intact with large stones comprising the floor image © covachita

image © covachita

light steel frame supports wood rafters on the roof image © covachita

image © covachita

plywood sheets for the flooring image © covachita

table made from reclaimed sawhorses image © covachita

fixture details images © covachita

roof construction image © covachita

image © covachita

paver stairs image © covachita

image © covachita

bathroom image © covachita

floor plan / level 0

section

exploded axonometric