Palmas House / DOSA STUDIO

Palmas House / DOSA STUDIO - Windows, BrickPalmas House / DOSA STUDIO - Windows, Door, Brick, Facade, ConcretePalmas House / DOSA STUDIO - Chair, Beam, WindowsPalmas House / DOSA STUDIO - Image 5 of 55Palmas House / DOSA STUDIO - More Images+ 50

Texcoco, Mexico
  • Architects: DOSA STUDIO
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  160
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2018
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Onnis Luque
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Mezcla Brava, Novaceramic, ProBarro

Text description provided by the architects. Palmas House is located in Texcoco, Estado de Mexico, close to the Historic Centre polygon and next to the main avenue that connects the entire territory. The external conditions and challenges of the site are the acoustics and the congestion of traffic jams. In relation to the temperature conditions, the area has a constant warm climate during the daytime and low temperatures during night.

Palmas House / DOSA STUDIO - Image 5 of 55
© Onnis Luque

In early 2017, the studio was appointed to design a house based on a very low budget and complicated site conditions.  The client was a young woman who approached our studio and requested to design a house for her relatives.  The entire family lived in that house for more than 40 years. Currently, in Latin America those kinds of buildings do not follow any planning regulation, therefore the existing construction did not have the right conditions of space, lighting, ventilation and privacy.

The limitation on the economic resources made the project a very complex exercise. The team never compromised the economic conditions and the primary objective to improve the quality of life of Mrs Elsa and her family. The main strategy was based on the collaboration amongst Dosa Studio and three other companies, interested and committed to the purpose of the project: Novaceramic, Mezcla Brava and Probarro. These companies provided the construction materials in coordination with Dosa studio construction project. 

Palmas House / DOSA STUDIO - Windows
© Onnis Luque

The first step was the recognition of materials, and the red brick met the necessary characteristics for the construction of this project due its materiality and sustainable characteristics. The project was based on brick dimensions in order to modulate the house, and use the exact quantity provided by our sponsors. The strategy of the selection of the material was complemented by the exploration of natural light to emphasize and provide thermal comfort to each of the areas based on the site analysis. 

Palmas House / DOSA STUDIO - Table, Beam, Chair
© Onnis Luque

Palmas House explores different layers such as light, urban context, materiality and spatial modules. The exploration of the natural light relies on a simple and an honest solution. The materiality contributes to the urban image of the Texcoco urban centre. The introverted spatial approach closes visually to the outside and resolves most of the irregular conditions of the context.

Section 1

The position of the main building the solution was based on the existing guidelines in order to contain the architectural program and provide two courtyards  that separate it from its neighbours. Each of the courtyards has their own identity and function. The first one allocates a narrow stone garden that connects the main entrance from the street. In addition, it isolates the interior visually and acoustically from the context. Finally, it reflects the harmonious relationship amongst the contrasting colours, textures, lights and shadows, provided by the big openings on the envelope of the house. 

Palmas House / DOSA STUDIO - Table, Brick, Windows, Beam, Deck, Patio
© Onnis Luque

The second courtyard contains the services area. Nevertheless, by keeping the same materiality, the sensations and emotions were preserved. The geometry is discovered on the streetscape views by its jagged roof in the south and north elevation. The geometry and opening on the roof constantly and uniformly illuminates the interior of the volume. The shadows are projected on the walls, traversing them and transforming during the course of the day. 

Palmas House / DOSA STUDIO - Brick
© Onnis Luque

The spatial configuration of the house focuses on the original footprint of the previous house. The main principles of the configuration are the coexistence among users.  Therefore the ground floor allocates the public area, composed of a living room, dining room and kitchen in an open plan configuration.  

Ground floor plan
First floor plan

The upper floor contains the private area, which includes three bedrooms that are connected to the interior by a corridor. The relationship to the outside is based on a projective balcony system that visually connects the rooms to the garden. The ground floor´s connectivity is developed with the introduction of commercial premises that contribute to the family economy.  Those areas completely separated to the internal functioning of the house.    

Palmas House / DOSA STUDIO - Beam, Brick, Windows
© Onnis Luque

Casa Palmas provides a different meaning to the social and contemporary architecture of the local area. It shows the way architecture can improve life conditions through spatial experiences that must not depend on large budgets. Also, it should be linked to functional, spiritual needs and new ways of living under the idea that architecture is for everyone.

Palmas House / DOSA STUDIO - Windows, Brick
© Onnis Luque

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Cite: "Palmas House / DOSA STUDIO" 10 Feb 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/888688/palmas-house-dosa-studio> ISSN 0719-8884

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