shielded portico encircles residence’s square volumes in mexico

three interlocking squares arrange the configuration with a longitudinal orientation along the irregular terrain.

Cometrue edited by christina vergopoulou January 30, 2024 3 min

three interlocking squares shape Galeana Maravatío House

Galeana Maravatío House, designed by Cometrue, stands as a single-family residence situated near the center of Maravatío, Mexico. The irregular terrain takes shape through the configuration of three interlocking squares with a longitudinal orientation from south to north.

Functioning as a daily living space for a couple, occasionally accommodating other family members, the design centers around key elements: a portico with optimal solar exposure throughout the year, direct engagement with vegetation, and the integration of daily-use spaces on a single floor. Responding to the sloping terrain, the proposal transforms existing embankments into filter terraces, creating a connection between the residents and the garden. This interaction space serves multiple purposes, including therapy, play, meditation, and learning.

shielded portico encircles residence's square volumes in mexico - 1 — all images by Ariadna Polo

Cometrue opts for tepetate ashlar, clay tiles, and wood

The project is organized into distinct zones: access, walkway, portico, spaces for daily use, and spaces for occasional use. Emphasizing a walkable design without steps and gentle slopes, the longitudinal walkway links the southern access to the daily-use spaces situated to the north.

The access porch fosters a direct connection with the garden, offering a comfortable outdoor environment throughout the year and protection from solar exposure. The design team employs local materials like tepetate ashlar, clay tiles, and wood, showcasing a commitment to regional materials and construction techniques. Additionally, the preservation of an old adobe wall contributes to the project’s integration with the street and local urban context.

shielded portico encircles residence's square volumes in mexico - 2 — the irregular terrain is shaped by three interlocking squares with a longitudinal orientation from south to north

shielded portico encircles residence's square volumes in mexico - 3 — key elements include a portico with optimal solar exposure and direct engagement with vegetation

shielded portico encircles residence's square volumes in mexico - 4 — local materials like tepetate ashlar, clay tiles, and wood are employed, showcasing a commitment to regional construction

shielded portico encircles residence's square volumes in mexico - 5 — the project is organized into zones: access, walkway, portico, daily-use spaces, and occasional-use spaces

galeana-maravatio-house-cometrue-mexico-designboom-1800-2 — the interaction space serves various purposes, including therapy, play, meditation, and learning

shielded portico encircles residence's square volumes in mexico - 6 — the design caters to daily living for a couple while occasionally accommodating other family members

galeana-maravatio-house-cometrue-mexico-designboom-1800-3 — the preservation of an old adobe wall contributes to the project’s integration with the street and local urban context

project info:

name: Galeana Maravatío House
architect: Cometrue | @cometrue.mx

lead architect: Jaime Miranda González

location: Maravatío, Mexico

photography: Ariadna Polo | @ariadnapolo.foto

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