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 Arquitectos, Rozana Montiel and DVCH De Villar CHacon Arquitectos, particularly for public spaces and housing projects.

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.

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.