The Mexican Association of Architects and Interiorists grants the 3rd place in Residential Architecture to Manada Architectural Boundaries, with the project CASA CALA. Which comes from an architectural exercise during the pandemic. It converts into the prototype of a cottage in the community of Oaxtepec. Characterized by its practicality and intention to bring the interior to the outdoors, with the purpose of connecting with nature.
It welcomes us at the end of a hidden street in the community of Oaxtepec, Morelos, México. A hill full of nature; pampas and lemon trees, strategically placed, lead us to its top. An apparent concrete rectangular structure is shown behind the pool that is placed at the foot of the house, echoing the sky and the folding windows that communicate the exterior with the interior by allowing it to be fully opened.
Inside we find a large dining room and a bar that double functions as a kitchen island. The storage is located under the stairs, covered with wooden doors, which also hide the cleaning services and a bathroom. Creating unity between spaces. To one side, a corridor in the open air leads us to two of the rooms. Whose folding facade combines the experience of sleeping in nature and the comforts of an interior.
On the other side of the kitchen, the stairs lead us to a loft that functions as a transition to the third room. All rooms have the qualities of privacy, large closets, practical bathrooms, and showers. The beds, located in the direction of the landscape, have headboards that function as desks, dividing and taking advantage of the space. Platforms for exposed storage provide the possibility of bedding areas in case of hosting extra guests.
The distribution of the spaces, the multifunctionality of the furniture and the use of materials that age with dignity over time, give CASA CALA a practical, simple, relaxed, and flexible character.
The award ceremony took place at the Anahuac University facilities on Tuesday, August 22, where the winning offices received their physical recognition from Alejandra Sanchez Gálvez, director of the AAI initiative.