a monolithic concrete block articulates central de proyectos' house PDC in mexico

located in the mexican city of mérida, the architecture practice, central de proyectos, has formed house PDC. built on the southern edge of the plot, the project attempts to create an ‘honest’ architectural expression through the exposed concrete structure that has been employed to provide the spatial quality. situated within an urban environment, the scheme also intends to form a connection to the existing nature on the grounds, as opposed to clearing the site to make way for the new intervention.

the large opening on the ground floor frames the view of the garden outside

all images courtesy of central de proyectos

the house has been planned at the southern boundary to provide the optimum ventilation and natural light, in addition to accommodating the three pre-existing fruit trees to the north of the site. to keep the footprint of the construction to a minimum, the architect has designed the overall scheme as one monolithic block, which includes spaces for a kitchen, social area, family room, two bedrooms and services.

the concrete structure is left exposed

the roof of the concrete block is designed as a mono-pitch to a gradient of 21 degrees, with the tallest elevation facing the north. this mono-pitch volume which makes up the upper floor is offset from the ground floor space, allowing for cross-ventilation to take place. when viewed in section, cold air enters into the kitchen from the north facing elevation, while hot air is expelled through the higher volume produced by the offset upper block. in addition to creating a comfortable indoor environment, this design also functions to house rooftop equipment and plumbing and electrical ducting at the south edge.

the house has been formed around the existing trees on the site

the design of the house can be characterized by the use of concrete, which makes up all the structural elements. from the exterior façades, to the interior walls and ceiling, the bare expression of the construction results in an honest architectural approach. the concrete walls on the ground floor have been poured with recycled formwork, creating an imperfect finish consistent with the roof’s austerity, but in contrast with the smooth finish of the upper floor.

the height difference created in section allows hot air to expel, cooling down the kitchen space

the use of exposed concrete as a finish has also been selected for financial reasons, to eliminate the expense of roofing or tiling the floor. the polished concrete floors aim to express the building’s structural performance, while the concrete joists and vaulted pieces make for an interesting raised pattern within the interior. these parts have been designed and manufactured using a mold made with local artisan blacksmithing. the design of this piece allowed the same amount of poured concrete as a traditional vault, while reducing the weight of the slab by having a smaller mass per piece.

view of the open social space

the living and dining area looking out towards the garden space

the greenery of the garden is highlighted against the bare concrete background

a low human scale is formed at the outdoor patio area

the subtle entrance into the house

the street facing elevation is introspective 

a view of the street façade during the day

the concrete volume seen from above, with the subtractions allowing for cross-ventilation to take place inside 

project info:

project name: ‘house PDC’

project location: merida, mexico

architect: central de proyectos SCP

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: lynne myers | designboom