Sava Elena Group 1
EARTH HOUSE
IN MERIDA
RESIDENTIAL HOUSE WITH CENTERPIECE MADE OF
LOAD-BEARING RAMPED WALLS
Introduction
Architects: earthLAB Studio
Area: 189 m²
Year: 2017
Manufacturers: Escenium HAUS, Helvex, Teka, Ultiservicios Chulum, VALVO
The residential building created by the internationally
active planners of the young Swedish architectural firm
earthLab Studio on the northern edge of the city of
Mérida on the Yucatán peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico,
looks like a white cube. But the first glance at the Earth
House is deceptive: The bright single-storey building on
the elevated property is not a cube, but a flat nested
cuboid with protruding volumes and openings, a covered
loggia and a lateral external staircase that leads to a
spacious terrace on the flat roof. From here you can see
the dome, which is also plastered white, in the center of
the building.
Healthy Building
Although very different in material and color, the earthy walls
harmonize with the simple white surfaces and the ornamental
floor tiles. In order to obtain the ochre shade desired by the
builders, the architects specializing in rammer clay searched
for the corresponding soil in the area.
A bricklayer from the region placed a cross ridge vault on the
walls in traditional Mexican craftsmanship. The bricks were
freely walled and cemented without supporting scaffolding or
a wooden shape. Like the walls, the material of the ceiling
consists of a mixture of clay, clay and sand - in a different
composition and in a burnt form. A yellowish ochre shade was
The load-bearing walls were built on a low concrete also chosen here. Both bricks and clay are free of pollutants
foundation. For this purpose, the environmentally and have a positive effect on the indoor climate. They regulate
friendly building material was mixed on site with a moisture and improve air quality; clay also absorbs odors. In a
little water, poured in layers into the two-head tropical climate area such as the Gulf of Mexico, the building
wooden formwork and mechanically compacted until materials used, including the floor tiles, contribute to
the room height was reached. pleasantly cool temperatures in the living room all year round.
Notes
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Details
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My conclusion
I think that Earth House stands as an example of sustainable
architecture, demonstrating how modern design principles can be
seamlessly integrated with traditional building techniques to
create a harmonious living environment that respects both the
natural world and human needs. With its innovative use of
materials, design strategies( this is what impressed me), and
renewable energy technologies.
Despite its organic appearance, the Earth House is
engineered to withstand seismic activity common to
the region. Reinforced foundations and carefully
calculated structural elements ensure the stability
and longevity of the building, providing residents with
peace of mind in their sustainable sanctuary.
sub-note: •Thank God that ArchDaily exists
•If I had the money for this house, I would buy it
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