Brick architecture, although mainly associated with historic buildings and traditional construction methods, is increasingly finding its place in contemporary housing. Modern developments combine traditional materials, such as red brick, with modern structural and aesthetic solutions. A prime example of this approach is the MoMa House project in San Pedro Cholula, in the province of Puebla, Mexico, which demonstrates how brick can influence the aesthetics and character of a contemporary home.
The context of the location and the design principles of MoMa House
San Pedro Cholula is a city where urban development coexists with traditional artisan workshops and clay kilns. MoMa House was created as a response to contemporary housing needs, especially in the context of the changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The inhabitants of this house, a young couple, appreciated the possibilities of working remotely and opted for non-standard functional but also aesthetic solutions. The plot on which the house is located stands out for its unusual proportions: it is 13 metres wide with a depth of only 8 metres. This layout influenced the design, allowing for a wide façade and maximum use of natural light in the morning.
Traditional materials in a modern setting
The architects opted for the traditional materials of the Puebla-Tlaxcala region: red brick and the Talavera tiles typical of the area, combining them with concrete and glass. The steel elements in the window construction are a reference to mid-20th century modern Mexican architecture, emphasising the industrial yet elegant character of the building. The raw brick, laid in a distinctive pattern, creates an interesting mosaic that appears both outside and inside the house.
Contemporary features and personalised space adaptation
The unusual approach to the building’s function manifests itself in the elimination of some standard rooms, such as the traditional living room and additional parking space. Instead, the house focuses on the kitchen as the main place for social life. The dining room benefits from morning and evening lighting, and is extended by a patio adorned with a brick openwork wall that allows for free plant arrangements. The most important space of the building is the two-storey studio with large windows, providing optimal interior lighting and natural reheating during the day. In addition, adequate ventilation ensures user comfort.
The bold design of MoMa House
The MoMa House project perfectly illustrates the contemporary approach to brick architecture in residential construction. The combination of traditional materials with modern functional solutions has created a comfortable, energy-efficient and aesthetically appealing space. This proves that brick, despite the passage of years, still remains one of the most versatile building materials.
Project: Estudio Tecalli
Location: San Pedro Cholula, Puebla, Mexico
Year: 2023
Area: 189 sq m.
Photos: Amy Bello
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