clad in rammed earth + burnt wood, 'santerra house' echoes the arid mexican landscape

clad in rammed earth + burnt wood, 'santerra house' echoes the arid mexican landscape

parma arquitectura explores benefits of earth-based building

 

In El Porvenir, in the heart of Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, ‘Santerra House’ stands as a rammed earth structure combined with burnt wood and concrete. Parma Arquitectura led the design and construction of the residence, opting for earth as the main material in response to the local dry climate. ‘It requires a small amount of water compared to other systems,’ the team explains. Specifically, a large part of it was obtained from the site after several excavations.

 

Besides a low-water demand, rammed earth also helps regulate humidity and thermal inertia. For that, the studio built 40 cm thick walls in all west-orienting rooms, where the highest sun exposure hits in the afternoon. As an added feature, the house walls’ resulting texture and color gradient blend nicely with the surrounding arid landscape. 

rammed earth and burned wood walls house 1

all images courtesy of Parma Arquitectura

 

 

pairing rammed earth with burnt wood + simple living spaces 

 

In addition to rammed earth, the team at Parma Arquitectura clad part of the ‘Santerra House’ facades in burnt wood using the ‘shou sugi ban’ technique. This gives it greater resistance while creating different shades of black depending on the vantage point and sun direction.

 

Design-wise, the dwelling features minimal spaces, including an outdoor terrace that serves as an extension of the living room and where meetings, dinners, or family gatherings can be held. Facing south, the terrace is hugged by the building to protect it from strong winds and sits under a wooden pergola to let sun rays filter through in winter while still providing enough shade in summer. Built mainly as a weekend house, the structure also holds shutters and a wrought iron gate that comes in handy when occupants are away.

rammed earth and burned wood walls house 2
‘Santerra House’ sits in the town of El Porvenir

rammed earth and burned wood walls house 12

burnt-wood creates a rich texture through different shades of black

rammed earth and burned wood walls house 10

the outdoor terrace covered by a pergola 

 

santerra-house-designboom-full-1

rammed earth and burned wood walls house 4

simple yet vibrant interiors

rammed earth and burned wood walls house 5

combining rammed earth with concrete indoors

rammed earth and burned wood walls house 7

bedroom area clad in rammed earth for thermal regulation

 

 

1/4
1
 
1
 
1
 
1
 

project info:

 

name: Santerra house

location: El Porvenir, Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
architecture: Parma Arquitectura

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom

KEEP UP WITH OUR DAILY AND WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS
suscribe on designboom
- see sample
- see sample
suscribe on designboom
happening now! get a glimpse of thailand’s rich cultural tapestry through ‘slow hand design thailand’, about to lure visitors into the country’s ordered chaos of crafts during milan design week, april 16-21, in via tortona. 

ARCHITECTURE IN MEXICO (583)

CONCRETE ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN (690)

EARTH ARCHITECTURE (56)

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS (3784)

WOOD AND TIMBER ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN (895)

PRODUCT LIBRARY

a diverse digital database that acts as a valuable guide in gaining insight and information about a product directly from the manufacturer, and serves as a rich reference point in developing a project or scheme.

designboom will always be there for you

milan, new york, beijing, tokyo,  since 1999
X
5