Las Casitas de Valle | Jorge Avila Maraveles

These four 1,345 sq ft homes gently rest on a body of water that provides tranquility and balance with its movement and life within. The concept is inspired on Xochimilco's trajineras. Located in South Mexico City, Xochimilco is know for using trajineras as a way of life since Pre-Columbian times. These structures remind us the coexistence between the water and the daily life of their inhabitants.The program for each dwelling is based on an open space that allows the surrounded nature to come into each dwelling. The units are interconnected by a wharf which also works as an entry to each home. Local materials such rocks from the area, CMU, aluminum curtain walls with double glazing features, steel columns and joists, wood, and traditional brick and concrete vaulted roof.