Project description
The project comprises five small single-family houses in La Ventana, Baja California Sur, which are suitable for use as vacation homes and/or hotel bungalows. The objective was to construct the buildings using natural and locally sourced materials. Furthermore, the houses are to be designed to be energy self-sufficient and to conserve water to the greatest extent possible. There is no infrastructure in the surrounding area, such as sewerage or electricity. The project is an extension of 2 existing self-sufficient houses with the same construction principle (sandbagging).
The small urbanization will be built approximately 1.5 km from the sea on a gentle slope and at the foot of a mountain range of 1000 m above sea level (Sierra Cacachilas). The property boasts impressive views of the sea to the east and mountains to the west.
Some questions to the planner
- What are your most important findings from the planning process for the Minergie certification?
La Ventana is the second pilot project used to develop and test the first version of the Minergie Mexico regulations. La Ventana is located in ASHRAE climate zone 2B, a hot and dry climate with cold winds in winter. Solar shading, natural ventilation and night-time cooling were the main criteria applied to this project, as well as the use of local materials for construction and efficient use of water. - What were the biggest challenges?
The main challenge of this project was to create a complex that operates in an island micro-grid without being connected to any municipal services such as drinking water, drainage or electricity. The efficiency of electrical equipment and energy use, and the conservation and reuse of water resources are essential to achieving an off-grid building. - What recommendations do you have for a Minergie building?
In order to design a building with high thermal comfort, healthy and low energy consumption, it is very important to know the local climate and the natural resources available at the site. An appropriate design fits into the location and retains its value over time.
Project details
La Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico
N/A
98 m2/ house
MEX-002 (provisional)