Innovative Solution for Homeless Families in Mexico designboom
go to original January 13, 2014

Mexican architect Hans Mayr has designed ‘Casa Uno’, a sustainable and colorful structure for homeless families in the rural areas of Mexico. The proposal gained first prize in a competition organized by ‘Casita Linda’, in which the brief was to produce a concept for those living in extreme poverty in San Miguel de Allende, four hours north of Mexico City.



The project is based on two common rural constructions, the vernacular stone house and temporary buildings that utilize low cost materials such as corrugated metal sheets and wood. Combining traditional building methods with industrial pieces helps to provide a high level of versatility in its design. The house can easily be adapted to suit the needs of each family, ranging from one to two floors and offering flexible room layouts.

The rectangular floor plan, which is commonly found in such buildings in Mexico, is also reflected on the interior, acting as a flexible space that can be subdivided for resting or other activities. The entrance features a set of folding doors that can be used as a screen, while also serving as an extension to the main volume during the daytime.



View of the exterior kitchen that also functions as a porch

Taking into account the lack of resources available in this part of Mexico, the house is designed to collect rainwater and is also equipped with an outdoor pit toilet for low water consumption and compost output. A wooden cooking stove is positioned beneath the roofed exterior kitchen, while solar panels are included to produce essential electricity needs such as lighting.



Interior view showing the folding screens

Read the rest at designboom

All images courtesy of Hans Mayr

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!