francisco pardo develops a social housing prototype for rural mexico

as part of a research program to explore housing types for rural mexico, francisco pardo arquitecto has designed the ‘apan prototype’. the initiative, which is called ‘del territorio al habitante’ (from the territory to the inhabitant), invites proposals from various local architects on a site located in the city of apan. realized among 32 other designs, francisco pardo’s intervention embraces the notion of versatility to create a modest residence that can be self-built and adapted according to the changing needs of a family.

image © jaime navarro

the apan prototype is organized by the architect in two main elements: the house itself and the boundary that surrounds it. formed simply as a circle that envelops the rectangular volume, this perimeter is constructed using eight timber fences – each measuring 3 meters – that provides 50 m2 of private land. developed to facilitate adaptation, circular modules can be added to enlarge the parcel of ground, which can then be used by the residents for cultivating fruit and vegetables or keeping small numbers of livestock. built on a small, community scale, this fenced element also aims to foster communication with neighboring lots, as opposed to separation.

the house is built over two storys and covers a total area of 387.5 ft2 (36 m2). the first floor comprises a small kitchenette, a bathroom and a free space that can be used as a bedroom. at this level, the interior is designed to physically connect to the land outside, encouraging its cultivation. on the upper level, the space affords adaption as the entire area is left as a blank canvas for the residents to use as they need, perhaps as storage or additional bedroom accommodation. on this floor, a large gable window brings in natural light and provides views out across the landscape.

the eternal architecture is expressed modestly as two blocks, with one appearing to raise the other up from the ground. the upper volume adopts the quintessential image of a house with its typical roof pitch, giving the prototype the semblance of a warm, inviting home. in short, the project aims to provide an ideal space for a family to adapt and personalize as they choose, and make the inhabitants feel part of a community, consolidating the link between them and the landscape of rural mexico.