Dispersed Stone Volumes and Alleys form a Cruciform Residential Plan in Mexico
The Enso House II, designed and built by HW Studio Arquitectos in Guanajuato, Mexico, reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. Through meticulous historical research, it has been determined that Guanajuato possesses a unique construction identity, expressed in its architecture, kitchen utensils, aqueducts, and legends. Even its heroes, like Pípila, who carried a massive stone on his back to protect his regiment from bullets, are part of this identity.
In this area of the country, stone is deeply rooted in any form of cultural expression. Hence, the choice of this material for Enso House II was natural and fitting. Additionally, the availability of a materials bank and skilled labor nearby facilitated a respectful dialogue between the architectural design and the local environment.
The residential complex is organized based on a cruciform plan, dividing the space into four quadrants through stone alleys that define the pathways, framing the landscape, and separating one quadrant from another. Each quadrant has a specific "vocation" assigned to it.
The first quadrant, located in the lower right portion, serves as the reception point for the inhabitants and houses an endemic garden that reinforces, protects, and embraces living beings. The second quadrant accommodates the cars, and during construction, special care was taken with the trees, which provide shade to protect the vehicles from the sun. A long, arched stone wall protects the entrance, preserving the privacy of the house and emphasizing the horizontal presence of the mountain in the background.
In the third quadrant, there is the one-bedroom house, where public spaces are separated from the private ones by a single volume containing bathrooms, a dressing room, and a service area. This configuration breaks away from the open floor plan concept, providing greater intimacy to the private spaces. The fourth quadrant stands out with the office, the only visibly prominent vertical element. Its presence contrasts with the horizontal landscape and establishes a connection with the iconic volumes of the Santa Brígida mine in Mineral de Pozos.
The dispersion of these spaces creates a continuous pilgrimage experience, allowing direct contact with the earth, air, and mountain. It evokes the sensation of an ancient monastery that frames the landscape and seamlessly integrates with it. The result is a house that harmoniously blends with the environment and evokes tranquility.
The large south-facing windows provide convenient orientation and a visual connection to the impressive Santa Maria mountain, which stretches from east to west and serves as a significant focal point in the city. These windows can be fully opened, allowing fresh air to flow into the structure. The height of the adjacent wall is sufficient to conceal the roofs of neighboring buildings while providing a convenient frame for the mountain. The white, modern stone formation aims to create a space that evokes silence, offering a moment of respite amidst the bustling urban scene.
In summary, Enso House II is a remarkable example of the local architecture in Guanajuato, incorporating the cultural and historical elements of the region. Its quadrant distribution, careful choice of materials, and harmonious dialogue with the landscape give this house a unique character. It invites visitors to connect with the nature, history, and cultural identity of the region, providing a harmonious and serene experience.
Project Info:
Project: Casa Enso II (Enso House II)
location: Guanajuato, Mexico
Date: 2022
Architects: HW Studio Arquitectos
Lead Architect: Rogelio Vallejo Bores
Design Team: Oscar Didier Ascencio Castro and Nik Zaret Cervantes Ordaz
Material: Stone
Photographers: Cesar Bejar
0:00 - Cultural heritage of the region
0:38 - About the cruciform plan
0:59 - The first quadrant
1:08 - The second quadrant
1:18 - The third quadrant
2:20 - The fourth quadrant
2:34 - Experience / sensations
3:08 - Drawings