Construction system
The construction system of Casa Tierra was done with Pressed Earth Blocks (PEB) made from soil of the same lot. This system was selected because it is aesthetically pleasing as well as cost and energy efficient, fire and pest resistant, virtually soundproof, durable and structurally sound. PEB provides complete architectural freedom and is made from non-toxic readily available natural raw material. Compared to other systems, it is more flexible and does not affect the width of the walls. The soil was pressed with 3% of concrete and 7% of lime, being 90% of the material needed for the construction obtained directly from the lot.
Foundations
Once the construction system was determined the calculation of the necessary soil was done. With the amount needed, and the volume that was left behind, a basement was incorporated into the design of the house in order to obtain the building material. PEB buildings are structurally sound and regularly exceed 700 PSI. The strength, durability and longevity stands in stark contrast to other building materials. A typical wood frame building has an average life span of 75 years while earthen structures will stand for centuries.
Geothermal temperature study
A team of specialized mechatronic engineers studied the temperature of the lot by drilling devices at different depths in order to determine the best constant temperature. The results showed that at a depth of 4 meters below the regular surface of the lot a constant temperature of 17° Celsius was found. At this level 200 linear meters of pipes were installed for a heat interchange system to maintain the temperature of the house with renewable energy efficiency.
Building
The Pressed Earth Blocks are distributed in 3 different positions around the perimeter of the whole house generating box walls, both solid and hollow with a circle hole. The distribution was done in order to use the inside part of the blocks in different ways. Some of the hollow blocks will be used to contain in its interior the necessary installations for the house (hydraulic and energy) as well as to receive the concrete structure. Other hollow blocks will be use to generate a lattice that will give a magnificent light effect to the interior of the house during sunrise and sunset. The interior walls are single thick used for all the divisions and joints.
Environmentally friendly technologies
Taking advantage of the characteristically sunny weather of Mexico City, solar collectors will be installed to heat the 100% of the water necessary for the daily activities. Also photovoltaic panels will be used to reduce the energy consumption resulting in a 30% saving of the average rate of a house this size and it will produce up to the 100% of the energy for day to day use. The lighting design incorporates a central control system with low voltage lamps.
Isolated walls and ceilings will increase the maintenance of the indoors temperature of the house the whole year long. A green rooftop will also be incorporated to increase the isolation and provide fresh clean oxygen into the house. The rooftop is also part of the exterior design of the house and highlight of the outside concept.
A Pluvial collector system will be installed to make the most use of the rain water for the toilets and in combination with a treatment system the water collected will also be used to water the gardens and maintain the exterior areas. Water saving faucets, toilets and showers will complement the water saving program of the whole house.
Project: Casa Tierra
Location: México, D.F.Architectonic project:
Serrano Monjaraz Arquitectos
In association with Serrano y Arquitectos AsociadosDesign Team
Arq. Juan Pablo Serrano O.
Arq. Rafael Monjaraz F.
Arq. Mayra Díaz MartínezArea: 676.64 m2
Construction: 900 m2
Constructor: CONVEALighting design: Brimare S.A de C.V
Photography: Pedro HiriartMaterials: wood, metal, stone, glass, solar collectors, pressed earth blocks
