Colar revives adobe structure to create pared-back home in Mexico
Colar, an architecture firm, has revitalized a run-down adobe building to develop Casa Estelí, a residence spanning 162 square meters in Chiapas, Mexico. The renovation maintained the original adobe structure by strengthening its 30-centimeter-thick walls and incorporating a self-supporting timber roof that minimizes additional weight and features overhangs to guard against erosion. Complementing the adobe, two new brick volumes constructed from locally sourced 26-centimeter-thick clay bricks have been added. The layout comprises a generous verandah, an open-concept living and dining area, a study, a bathroom, utility space, and two bedrooms connected by an open-air corridor. Earthy materials and ochre hues are utilized, with a rat-trap bond for insulation. Photography by Ariadna Polo.
Key facts
- Colar updated and extended a dilapidated adobe structure to create Casa Estelí, a single-storey home in Chiapas, Mexico.
- The 162-square-metre dwelling combines the revived adobe structure with two new brick volumes.
- The adobe walls are 30 centimetres thick and were secured with vertical reinforcements and a continuous timber beam for seismic resilience.
- The timber roof is structurally independent and has overhangs to protect the walls from erosion.
- The two new volumes use locally produced clay bricks with a wall thickness of 26 centimetres.
- The home features a verandah, open-plan living and dining area, study, bathroom, utility space, two bedrooms, and a shared bathroom with glossy green tiles.
- Materials were chosen to establish continuity with the adobe while remaining distinguishable, using ochre tones and a rat-trap bond for insulation.
- Photography is by Ariadna Polo.
Entities
Artists
- Ariadna Polo
Institutions
- Colar
Locations
- Chiapas
- Mexico
Sources
- Dezeen —