SUSTAINABILITY

|Monterrey, Mexico

Architecture has been associated with permanence for a long time. Construction methods and materials have been envisioned to create durable architectural objects. However, the exercise of inhabiting is dynamic and complex. In almost every major city, the developable area is becoming scarcer and the cost of housing is rising, leading to an unsustainable urban sprawl. As living dynamics continue to evolve, a model capable of satisfying the future housing demand in cities was designed, a tiny house unit that is meant to be temporary, intended to be placed on rooftops.

The proposal serves a population group that pressingly needs it: young adults. The new housing model was thought to be a reconfigurable and adaptable space. It is designed to accompany the user in his or her life changes and to become finite, as human life itself is. We wish to break the tendency of the egotistical perpetuity of architecture, visualizing the dwelling space as a tool that transforms and responds to the different phases, stages, and needs of an individual or family.

With a “design for disassembly” method, a prefabricated modular building system allows for reconfiguration over time and is limited in the use of resources and waste generation.

The project is also designed to contribute to creating diverse and vibrant communities. When several house units arise near each other, there’s an opportunity to connect people by sharing common areas and services, thus contributing to a safe, affordable, and active community.

Personal contribution: Research, Analysis, Design, 3D modeling, and Graphics

HYBRID HOUSING: REIMAGINING SHARED URBAN LIVING

Undergraduate Thesis Project / 2020 Diana Valdés, Tamara Medina, Sofía González

Weekday 7:00 - 9:00 am

Weekday morning: waking up, meal with home garden veggies, shower and home office.

Weekday 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Productive afternoon: late work, yoga and meditation, reading and video chatting.

Dwelling basic needs

PHASE 2 - SHARED UNIT

Project extension

Weekday 7:00 - 9:00 am

Weekday morning: shared meal, home office, roomates leave to class.

|Nacogdoches, Texas

In dialogue with the timber industry of East Texas and existing material research, this project, rather than conforming to conventional timber construction, is a development of new formal and performative design that emphasizes the unique material characteristics of wood, speculates on new timber construction standards and applies the new technique in a dance hall design.

As a naturally grown biological tissue, wood presents material characteristics and behavior relative to its anisotropic and hygroscopic properties. Research tests were conducted with laminations of white oak veneer to investigate the responsive behavior of varying grain directions and altered Wood Moisture Content (WMC). This research led to the conclusion that by carefully arranging the grain direction of pieces in an assembly of VLT (Variable Laminated Timber), and with higher moisture, deformation and curvature increase.

A research trip to the forests in East Texas was conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the industry. The intention was to focus the project and the developed technique on the species and cycles of local forests and pine trees.

The curving and twisting VLT method that was developed in the initial stages of research led to the design of a Texas Dance Hall. The VLT technique is designed with the output of smaller diameter trees whose life cycle in the pulp industry is shorter, in an attempt to lengthen their carbon sequestration cycle.

The design is meant to allow for a playful interpretration of the vernacular of Texas dance halls while still maintaing the relationship between user and space that these structures have historically been known for.

Personal contribution: Research, Design, 3D modeling, Rendering.

INITIAL TESTS WITH VARYING GRAIN DIRECTION

|Austin, Texas

This project arises from the need for balanced and carbon-neutral communities. With pressing issues such as the environmental impact of the food industry and accelerating population growth, housing, production and consumption models need to be rethought.

Módulo looks to integrate ecosystems, dwelling, food, water, waste, and energy cycles into one balanced community. It centers on the principles of coliving tendencies, microclimates, materials with low embodied energy, new forms of food production, water cycles, biodiversity, and more.

Located near public transportation systems in Austin, the project consists of a series of modular structures that can be staggered together and arranged to the site’s needs and house prefabricated units (160 sq ft each). Within these units, different uses serve the community, such as: housing, wellness areas, shared kitchens, educational units, local businesses, coworking, services, and more.

A series of bridges connect the structures, while also collecting and distributing rainwater. Where voids exist, terraces and greeneries are born with vegetation that supports pollination cycles. A bioswale that connects to a nearby creek circles the site, increasing absorption area in case of heavy rains.

Food production is an important part of the project. Different systems are integrated to ensure a sustainable and equitable access: fish ponds serve an aquaponics system, large terraces are used for outdoor farming of crops that can benefit from the exposure to the environment, and modular hydroponics units are distributed throughout the community.

MÓDULO: CARBON-BALANCED COMMUNITIES

HOUSING UNITS

COMMUNAL AREAS AND AMMENITIES

COMMERCIAL UNITS

WATER AND AQUAPONICS

GREENERIES AND TERRACES

ANAEROBIC DIGESTOR AND WATER TREATMENT

SOLAR ENERGY

CIRCULATION

AQUAPONICS

GREENERIES

|Monterrey, Mexico

First place in a state-wide architecture competition.

The natural environment where Terralta Country Club is located was the main source of inspiration for this competition project. The project consists of a 7,000 sq ft residence in which rest, shelter, and intimate contact with nature highlight the design and concept.

The design process revolved around a global event that changed everyone’s lives. Great reflection and introspection have accompanied the pandemic, making us aware of our interdependence with the environment and the importance of home as a space of freedom, serenity, and well-being.

The house’s design aims to connect with the emotions of its users, inviting them to live a meditative experience through its spaces. The project seeks to evoke a deep sense of wonder at nature and the surrounding context. The volumes were carefully designed to direct the interior areas towards the site’s most important views, including a lake and the mountains. A collaborative approach between architecture and landscape design was made to adapt the project to its topography.

Local materials and natural colors merge the project with its context, including rammed earth walls and locally sourced cement.

Personal contribution: Site Analysis, Architectural Design, Plans, 3D modeling, and Graphics