architecture 4 us

Green Architecture of Casa Gavion by Colectivo MX

Posted: 19 Mar 2012 09:25 PM PDT

This sustainable home, Casa Gavion, was designed by Collectivo MX and built in Baja, Mexico, where sun shines almost all year long. Some sustainable and green architecture techniques were applied, especially to maintain the house’s temperature, against the along-the-year sun shine. Some sustainable features provide high sustainability also.

This sustainable building house‘s design was inspired by “emotional architecture” of Luis Barragán, where architecture should be less about functionality and more about serenity and highlighting the natural surroundings. Sensuous aesthetics, vivid colors, and attention to spaces and light were applied by Colectivo MX to interpret this concept. They also use massive proportions, volumes, forms, textures and colors express feelings and emotions. To provide highlight to the natural surroundings, all rooms have access to the outdoor, terrace and courtyard.

Passive designs is applied to provide good temperature for this eco friendly construction. There are no air conditioners used in this house, cooling is done by natural breeze through the house. This provided by some sources, one of them is from the use of Gabion rock wall that is a breathable wall. This type of wall is usually used along the highway as retaining wall. The gap between wall materials may provide way for the air. This wall also protects the home from harsh sun light. Thick roof insulation help to keep the temperature of the house.

Some sustainable features are also provided. Alternative energy, such as solar power energy is used. To provide water, a grey water system is used. A pool, which is a combination of a dipping pool, a swimming pool and a jacuzzi, is provided and may reduce the water use for those three functions. Local materials and workers were used on the development time.

By all of these features, this eco construction may provide a good mixture with the environment, also good footprint.