Self-constructed rural housing in Mexico that follows bioclimatic principles

Vivienda Salazar is part of ongoing research by Manuel Cervantes Estudio on assisted self-production. Its timber structure combines bioclimatic principles and opens up to its surroundings.

Photo César Béjar

Photo César Béjar  

Photo César Béjar  

Photo César Béjar  

Photo César Béjar  

Photo César Béjar  

Photo Rafael Gamo  

Photo Rafael Gamo

Photo Rafael Gamo    

Photo Rafael Gamo    

Vivienda Salazar, sketch by Manuel Cervantes. Courtesy Manuel Cervantes Estudio
 

Ground-floor plan of Vivienda Salazar. Courtesy Manuel Cervantes Estudio

South (top) and north elevations. Courtesy Manuel Cervantes Estudio

Cross section (top) and longitudinal section of Vivienda Salazar. Courtesy Manuel Cervantes Estudio  

Exploded axonometric  

Assonometry with study of the movement of the sun  

Section with study of solar radiation      

Assonometry with construction elements  

Assonometry with rainwater collection system  

Vivienda Salazar is part of Manuel Cervantes Estudio’s research on assisted self-production of housing in rural areas in Mexico. The project has been carried out with Infonavit, the Institute of the National Housing Fund for workers. The institute often works in collaboration with architects such as T+E ArquitectosRozana Montiel and DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos, particularly for public spaces and housing projects.

Manuel Cervantes Estudio, “Vivienda Salazar” rural housing prototype, Salazar, Mexico, 2018. Photo Rafael Gamo

Manuel Cervantes tells Domus that the studio has designed “many prototypes for different climates and different types of families, in collaboration with government and private associations” in the last 3 years.

Vivienda Salazar, in particular, is characterized by a pavilion-like wooden structure with a sloping roof. It follows bioclimatic principles which determine that its main opening is north-facing. The optimisation of living comfort has therefore been an integral part of the project, which has seen the architects working on reducing the impact of solar radiation in summer and protecting against low temperatures in winter.

Axonometric study of the effect of solar radiations on the rooms of the dwelling

The program of the building is organised around 3 cores: the social area, a sleeping area with two bedrooms and the service area with bathroom and kitchen. The studio has sought for flexibility especially for the social area, that faces the outside porch allowing the extension of the common activities of the house towards the outside.

  • Vivienda Salazar, prototype of a rural dwelling
  • Salazar, Mexico
  • Manuel Cervantes Estudio
  • Manuel Cervantes, José Luis Heredia, Ana Padrón
  • Gerson Huerta
  • Infonavit
  • 2018
Photo César Béjar

Photo César Béjar  

Photo César Béjar  

Photo César Béjar  

Photo César Béjar  

Photo César Béjar  

Photo Rafael Gamo  

Photo Rafael Gamo

Photo Rafael Gamo    

Photo Rafael Gamo    

Vivienda Salazar, sketch by Manuel Cervantes. Courtesy Manuel Cervantes Estudio
 

Ground-floor plan of Vivienda Salazar. Courtesy Manuel Cervantes Estudio

South (top) and north elevations. Courtesy Manuel Cervantes Estudio

Cross section (top) and longitudinal section of Vivienda Salazar. Courtesy Manuel Cervantes Estudio  

Exploded axonometric  

Assonometry with study of the movement of the sun  

Section with study of solar radiation      

Assonometry with construction elements  

Assonometry with rainwater collection system