Casa Emma. A space of light, emotions, and connection with oneself

In Morelia, Mexico, the project for Casa Emma is inspired by the moving experience of the use of light in the Museum of the painter Paula Rego, designed by Eduardo Souto de Moura. The sense of wonder and serenity evoked by that space through the light raining from above is a guide to poetically solve the challenges posed by Casa Emma

Space experiences that promote peace, introspection, and transformation

In a small lot of 4 meters by 10, enclosed on the sides by adjacent buildings, the architects of HW Studio bring to life Casa Emma: a sculpture of shapes and zenithal light hidden by its envelope. As in other architectural projects by HW, even in Casa Emma the focus is on creating space experiences that promote peace, well-being, introspection, and transformation. Drawing inspiration from the sensations evoked by light in the Paula Rego Museum, the architects use the zenithal opening to solve the lighting and natural ventilation of the house, simultaneously creating a feeling of embrace and protection

Purépecha tradition shapes and internal distribution optimization

The composition of Casa Emma is the result of subtracting from the total volume a solid in the shape of a traditional Purépecha granary. The typical structure called Troja, dear to the homeowner, is also evoked with the materiality of the interiors, entirely in wood. The limited size of the house makes it necessary to optimize the internal distribution: an entrance leads to the main area where the living room, dining room, and kitchen are located together. At the back, hidden from view are the technical room, the cellar, and the stairs

A white volume floating in space

Going up, you reach a small space that separates the bathroom and the bedroom, which is built on the loft. The loft is a white volume floating in the house's space, aesthetically defining the environment: like a cotton ball lifted by the wind, its diaphanous color tries to lighten its presence while the reflected light softens its edges

Tribute to the beauty of light, the story of Paula Rego, and Emma

Casa Emma is a project that aims to awaken emotions and invite contemplation, conveying serenity and calm through light. In this tribute to the beauty of light, the story of Paula Rego, and Emma, the architects invite us to immerse ourselves in the emotional language conveyed by light itself, inspiring a connection with oneself

Gallery

Photo credits
Top image, content and gallery images: César Béjar

Drawings: HW STUDIO

Designers credits
Leads Architects: Rogelio Vallejo Bores
Architects: Oscar Didier Ascencio Castro, Nik Zaret Cervantes Ordaz

Companies credits
Structural Engineering: ARGA Constructora
Construction company: Alberto Gallegos Negrete (Grupo GAPSE)

Krion: Solid surface 1100 Snow White.
Bastet luxury floors: Engineered oak wood CHAMOX.
Interceramic: Porcelain floor tile Lims® Ivory 75x150 , Vanity Atenas, Kitchen faucet Matte white Pívot®, Bathroom faucet Polished chrome Siena.
Bticino: Plates and switches Living Now.
iLumiled: Floor luminaire ILUEP1WWW, LED strip 2216 2200 K.
Tecnolite: Digital timer TT-158
Steren: Video doorbell CCTV-0990.
ERA: Electric grill ERA PEI-4-60 black 110V.
Calorex: Electric water heater PRO 40.
Altamira: Hydraulic pressure booster kit PRES10, PRES-16-1115-230.
Tornado: Submersible water pump KIN58-8/1230A.

PEOPLE

HW Studio

Morelia, México