El Cortijo (2024)

State of Mexico, Mexico

5000m2

Located in the Calacoaya neighborhood, State of Mexico, El Cortijo is a housing complex consisting of 44 homes developed on land previously designated for charro activities. Although the zoning allowed for higher density, the approach chosen respected the scale and colonial character of the surroundings, characterized by cobblestone streets, white facades, and blue details. The project includes three housing typologies (120, 160, and 220 m²), all with private gardens and access to common areas such as plazas, terraces, social rooms, and recreational spaces. The organization aims to promote community life and preserve the preexisting trees. The exterior facades maintain a classic image, while the interior design adopts a contemporary and sober expression. Formally, the architecture reinterprets colonial language through clear volumes, restrained proportions, and traditional materials. The terrain's unevenness is utilized to articulate interior paths with patios, terraces, and double heights. The homes are distributed across three levels: social areas on the ground floor, bedrooms on the second level, and study spaces or terraces on the upper level. Materials such as exposed concrete, quarry stone, and reddish brick are chosen for their durability, low maintenance, and coherence with the context. The integration of planters, pergolas, and natural textures strengthens the connection with the landscape. Regarding sustainability, the project incorporates passive strategies such as cross ventilation, interior patios, and the use of natural light. It also features large-capacity cisterns, gray water reuse systems, and provisions for solar panels. These decisions address the area's environmental conditions and reflect a responsible approach to urban development.