A new residential project in Mexico from Rogelio Vallejo Bores’ HW-STUDIO Arquitectos that combines domestic serenity with an excavation-like approach to infill housing is worth a closer look following the project’s completion earlier this summer.

The design for Casa Emma was inspired by the space inside Eduardo Souto de Moura's pyramid design for the Paula Rego Museum in Lisbon. Its captivating central feature is a central lightwell that works to channel natural light into various parts of the home, which is tucked away on an unassuming side street in the city of Morelia.

Its small 431-square-foot plot restraints necessitated the inclusion of the skylight to resolve both space and ventilation concerns. The materials selected—a native Yucatan chukum tree resin plaster coating the exterior and interior with engineered oak wood finishes indoors—and voided form both call to mind thereafter an endemic type of Purépecha granary buildings called 'Troje.'

The firm describes then experience of the house as an "invitation to immerse in a world where light becomes the language of emotions and connection with oneself; a space that pays homage to the beauty of light and to Emma, who now welcomes us from heaven."

An access corridor at the front of the property provides entry while discreetly concealing the roofline, which comes into focus further inside. From there, the living room, dining room, and kitchen are seamlessly consolidated in a central open-plan area. The refrigerator is hidden next to a utility storage room, and spiral stairs lead vertically into a tight vestibule. 

The vestibule connects with a full bath and bedroom on the mezzanine level defined a floating white volume. This  blurs its presence while conferring a light and airy quality that’s meant to be reminiscent of a singular piece of suspended cotton. The light interplays finally bring to life the wood finishes and porcelain floor tiles while diffusing boundaries through reflection.

Casa Emma is a peaceful and tranquil setting that transposes the firm's founding inspiration to create spaces which are evocative of the ever-present threat of violence at play within certain segments of Mexico.

The building size is approximately 585 square feet and the listed budget for the project is $120,000 USD.