A prototype for resilient and sustainable living Casa Eva, designed by Fernanda Canales, resilient and sustainable architecture. Situated in Ocuilan, this project was conceived as a response to the 2017 earthquake, providing a new home for Eva, a single mother, and her four children. The design encapsulates a prototype for a minimum dwelling, extending from one to three bedrooms within a compact 50 square meter footprint. The house is structured around a 4×8 meter rectangular plan, featuring two levels and a distinctive vault ceiling. This configuration allows for a double-height space that accommodates the living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating an illusion of spaciousness despite the minimal dimensions. The design ensures that every room is bathed in natural light and benefits from cross ventilation, enhancing the living experience. Materially, the house is a study in simplicity and continuity, utilizing only concrete blocks and wood. These materials, with their natural finishes, contribute to the home's aesthetic coherence and ease of maintenance. The orientation of the house maximizes sunlight exposure from the East, South, and West, ensuring warmth and comfort throughout the year. The vertical emphasis of the design provides secure sleeping quarters for the children on the upper floor.

Design Highlights

Compact 4×8 meter rectangular plan Double-height living, dining, and kitchen space Natural light and cross ventilation in every room Use of concrete blocks and wood for continuity and simplicity Orientation to maximize sunlight and warmth Vertical design to optimize site area and ensure safety

Key Facts