espacio 18 plays with light and shadow for 'cuatas' dwelling in mexico

cuatas by espacio 18 arquitectura

located on the outskirts of oaxaca center, mexico, brick-clad ‘cuatas’ appears as a new housing proposal that provides residents with openness yet intimacy. with this project, espacio 18 arquitectura gave highest priority to the materiality, color palette, and lighting. by doing so, they aimed to give warmth and visual breadth to the spaces, creating changing atmospheres during the day.all images by amy bello

triggering inhabitants’ sensations

the dwelling adopts an introverted character, with the common areas opening towards encircled patios. this way, the living area is extended, as well as it allows natural daylight to enter the space and ventilation to run properly.

the design team sought to generate overhead lighting through perforations, triggering inhabitants’ sensations. the resulting composition, integrates the colors of oaxaca, welcoming those who inhabit it into an intimate and relaxing environment.

as for the spatial arrangement, the architect employed a neat yet simple layout. the ground level consists of the social areas, while means of lattices divide the spaces creating visual fluidity. in the kitchen and dining room, the sliding screens open onto a small patio that expands the space and fades the barriers between the interior and exterior. the upper level includes the private areas, taking advantage of the sunlight in the morning and inserting windows in the south façade. finally, the second level accommodates a service area and a terrace overlooking the southern sierra madre of oaxaca, as well as the cerro de la guelaguetza.

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project info:

name: cuatas
architects: espacio 18 arquitectura | @espacio18

architect in charge: arq. sonia morales
design team: arq. carla osorio, arq. mario ávila, arq. arantza toledo, arq. sonia morales
carpentry: orvesa y diseño s.a.
engineering: lm estructuras @lm.estructuras

suppliers: helvex, teka, tecnolite, interceramic

completion year: 2022
building area: 130 sqm

location: oaxaca, méxico

photography: amy bello | @amybello.fotografia