TM House / CDM Casas de México

TM House / CDM Casas de México

TM House / CDM Casas de México - More Images+ 17

Tecoman, Mexico
More SpecsLess Specs
© Lorena Darquea

Text description provided by the architects. TM House is located in the state of Colima, Mexico, within a lot of regular topography and geometry, and a surface of 11,670 sq. m. The project consists of a 769 sq. m. single story residence for a family of 4 members. The premise of the project was to integrate the diverse phenomenologies inspired on the tropical paradise of the Mexican pacific, in order to create a residence that constantly refers to unending vacation. 

© Lorena Darquea
© Rory Gardiner

Three key aspects were turning points for the conception of the architecture: climate, topography, and context. 

With average temperatures of 25°C, ascending up to 50°C, and with a relative humidity seldom dropping beneath 75%, heat was a major concern. 

© Lorena Darquea

The land, originally a palm grove, once clean turned out highly profitable in terms of a flat topography with only a few palm trees standing in it. At the same time, an almost inexistent slope made the land susceptible to floods especially during rainy season.

© Lorena Darquea

On another hand, the context forces architecture to become introverted and massive as to protect the user from situations of recurring insecurity.

These three elements set the guidelines for the purpose of the project’s architecture.

© Lorena Darquea

One very specific type of architecture was chosen that rescues an important aspect of Mexican constructive tradition: the ambivalence between interiors and exteriors. The limits of spaces are blurred to favor the creation of open environments that allow natural air fluxes throughout the entire home. 

© Rory Gardiner

Thus, the scheme emerges from a program open to the exterior and segmented in blocks that permit such wind passages. A circular patio becomes the flashpoint of ventilations redirecting the airflow from spaces integrated with the terrace towards the sleeping areas. Each block contains a specific use that may be clustered with others or separated always keeping a relation with the exterior. 

© Lorena Darquea

A 3 ft. platform raises the main floor level from the ground protecting the house against recurring floods. This difference of level between the interior and exterior was used to create sloped gardens that work as thermal buffer zones.

© Rory Gardiner

The composite roof consisted of concrete sloped slabs lightened by polystyrene blocks with a palapa system on top that reduces the absorption of solar radiation and contributes to thermal insulation. 

© Lorena Darquea

Aesthetically, local workmanship contributed to define the character of the home in elements such as handcrafted finishes in walls, roofs and lattices. These combined with a contemporary design generate the overall sensation of authenticity and sophistication; a first home intended to be lived as a second one. 

© Lorena Darquea

Project gallery

See allShow less
About this office
Cite: "TM House / CDM Casas de México" [Casa TM / CDM Casas de México] 02 Apr 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/914213/tm-house-cdm-casas-de-mexico> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.