House in Tequesquitengo

The remodelling and extending of a small house in the second row of buildings facing onto Lake Tequesquitengo was a project with a limited budget. Opening a new courtyard in the main existing volume introduces cross-ventilation extending both storey with the bedrooms that are needed. The key intervention is around an existing Guamúchil tree that grows at a level between the lower and upper floors.

The decision was to level the land and build a new platform with a swimming pool and a terrace —an external social space visible from both storey. This platform is surrounded by a concrete wall, and it separates domestic space from the rest of the garden. Concrete surfaces, joists and small vaults are all exposed, creating a simple and sincere character, while local red ceramic floor tiles and blue woodwork and ironwork provide contrasting colours.