Header: Francisco Palacio
Serentha Cabin is nestled in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California, an area in Mexico known for its vineyards and arid landscapes. The residence retreat is envisioned as two parallel volumes organised around a central courtyard, which is the social heart of the house. In an area where light climate, and vegetation shape the life of its residents, this open space represents the main tool of a successful bioclimatic strategy.
Olive trees sourced from the Guadalupe Valley
The architects from ORTO Studio planted old olive trees sourced from the surrounding area in the open space to provide shade and freshness while linking the residence to the landscape of the Guadalupe Valley. The orientation of the space controls the wind circulation and daylight penetration.
Interior divided into two volumes
The design is organised in a 120 m² floor plan, prioritising intimacy. While one volume gathers private spaces, including two bedrooms and bathrooms, the other hosts the less private areas, such as the kitchen and living and dining areas. The central courtyard between these two volumes is conceived as a collective and public space aimed at encouraging social interactions and a direct relationship with the landscape.
The wood and metal material palette
The material palette is characterised by durability and climate-responsiveness. Corrugated metal cladding reduces the heat, protecting against the extreme climate. A wood veneer ceiling adds warmth to the polished concrete floor, while painted drywalls in the interior create a neutral backdrop. The speed and precision of the construction are achieved through the combination of durable steel frames with light gauge galvanised framing.
Biophilic design
The design is based on biophilic principles. Cross ventilation, landscape architecture in the courtyard, framed views toward the landscape, and seamless transit between interior and exterior are all part of this biophilic architecture strategy. Favouring mental and physical well-being, the strategy strengthens the relationship between the natural environment and the residents.
The prototype for future endeavours
Built by a team of local builders using locally sourced materials, this design is easily replicable. The climate-responsive prototype for a contained dwelling is particularly well suited for the rural places in northern Mexico, whose hot and arid climate demands housing solutions that can mitigate heat gain, create shade and increase natural ventilation.
By carefully employing local materials and climate-responsive strategies, ORTO Studio has designed a cosy, private space enveloped with a vibrant vegetation of a Mexican valley. By relying on local builders, accessible techniques and common materials, the studio created a housing prototype that can be reproduced quickly and cost-effectively.
Technical sheet:
Architecture: Arq. Tomás R. Ortiz—ORTO Studio
Builder: BM Ingenieria y Proyectos
Photo: Francisco Palacio
Collaborators: Eme Cubo[Estructuras], BM Ingenieria y Proyectos[Interiorismo], PYME S.A. DE C.V. [ProyectoElectrico],
