Six homes for relaxing in

In his parable about porcupines, Arthur Schopenhauer describes how these cute little creatures discover the correct distance they need to keep between one another in order to share heat without injuring themselves. In Valle de Bravo, Mexico, Héctor Barroso also chose precisely the right distance between the six vacation homes, although in this case the distance does not sound out the temperature, but rather the spaces for retreat in the community. The simple but subtle way the cubes are composed gives the row of houses a diverse appearance, while at same time providing sufficient privacy for the short-stay inhabitants. 

Each of the six houses comprises six volumes of differing height, the configuration of which creates an intimate, quiet patio. Facing north the facades are closed, while to the south they open onto the garden and pine forest. Boasting 340 square meters of living space, each of the houses has sufficient room for several bedrooms, kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. The materials Héctor Barroso chose were sourced exclusively in the region: timber, brick and soil. Most of the walls are covered in special rendering created with the soil that was excavated for the foundations, such that in terms of color the buildings join up with the ground and blend in effortlessly with the surroundings. (as)