as part of a research program to explore housing types for rural mexico, francisco pardo arquitecto has designed the ‘apan prototype’. the initiative, which is called ‘del territorio al habitante’ (from the territory to the inhabitant), invites proposals from various local architects on a site located in the city of apan. realized among 32 other designs, francisco pardo’s intervention embraces the notion of versatility to create a modest residence that can be self-built and adapted according to the changing needs of a family. 

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

image © jaime navarro

 

 

the apan prototype is organized by the architect in two main elements: the house itself and the boundary that surrounds it. formed simply as a circle that envelops the rectangular volume, this perimeter is constructed using eight timber fences – each measuring 3 meters – that provides 50 m2 of private land. developed to facilitate adaptation, circular modules can be added to enlarge the parcel of ground, which can then be used by the residents for cultivating fruit and vegetables or keeping small numbers of livestock. built on a small, community scale, this fenced element also aims to foster communication with neighboring lots, as opposed to separation. 

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

 

 

the house is built over two storys and covers a total area of 387.5 ft2 (36 m2). the first floor comprises a small kitchenette, a bathroom and a free space that can be used as a bedroom. at this level, the interior is designed to physically connect to the land outside, encouraging its cultivation. on the upper level, the space affords adaption as the entire area is left as a blank canvas for the residents to use as they need, perhaps as storage or additional bedroom accommodation. on this floor, a large gable window brings in natural light and provides views out across the landscape. 

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

 

 

the eternal architecture is expressed modestly as two blocks, with one appearing to raise the other up from the ground. the upper volume adopts the quintessential image of a house with its typical roof pitch, giving the prototype the semblance of a warm, inviting home. in short, the project aims to provide an ideal space for a family to adapt and personalize as they choose, and make the inhabitants feel part of a community, consolidating the link between them and the landscape of rural mexico.

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

francisco pardo develops an adaptable social housing prototype for rural mexico designboom

 

1/10
01_URBAN DISPOSITION
 
02_THE MODULE
 
03_GEOMETRY
 
04_GROUND FLOOR
 
05_FIRST FLOOR
 
06_AEREAL VIEW
 
DTAH APAN-Publicacion
 
08_LATERAL VIEW
 
09_TRANSVERSAL SECTION
 
10_LONGITUDINAL SECTION
 

 

 

project info:

 

project name: apan prototype

location: apan, hidalgo, méxico

architect: francisco pardo arquitecto

client: INFONAVIT (housing institute of méxico), CIDS (investigation center for sustainable development)

design team: francisco pardo, ivan saucedo, karen burkart, wilfrido estrada, víctor cruz, sophia alami, daniel vázquez, erick trejo

design: 2016

completion: 2019

ground floor area: 387.5 ft2 (36 m2)

photography: jaime navarro