Tampico House is a project that seeks to bring a fragment of Tampico’s architectural memory into the context of Morelos through a contemporary reinterpretation of its most characteristic elements.
The project’s language is defined by a series of arches cast in pigmented concrete in a brick tone, evoking the traditional Tampico portico. This gesture not only establishes the formal identity of the house, but also introduces warmth and creates a soft transition between interior and exterior spaces, allowing for a constant connection with nature throughout the home.
Located in Jiutepec, Morelos, and developed on a 400 m² site with a built area of 180 m², the house responds directly to its climatic context. The main design strategy was to detach the construction from the perimeter walls in order to promote cross ventilation, continuous circulation, and a more open relationship with the immediate surroundings.
The region’s temperate climate becomes a key driver of the design. As a result, a private garden is introduced to articulate and illuminate the main bedroom, conceived as the core of the project. The importance of this space defines the organization of the architectural program, allowing direct accessibility to the main ground-floor areas: kitchen, sewing room, interior garden, workshop, and service quarters. This layout generates both functional efficiency and a fluid spatial experience.
The arch becomes the project’s defining element. Beyond shaping the main volumes, it is reinterpreted at different scales, from terraces to planters, establishing a coherent architectural language that unifies the entire house.
The floor plan is designed to foster dialogue and interconnection between spaces, encouraging both interaction and privacy. Terraces and balconies act as extensions of the living areas, providing intimate places for each inhabitant and enriching the everyday experience of the house.
In terms of materiality, exposed pigmented concrete and cement-based finishes with natural pigments predominate, giving the project a monolithic and organic expression. These elements are complemented by curved metalwork and natural wood such as teak, creating a balance between solidity and warmth. Ultimately, it is this atmosphere—warm, tactile, and open—that consolidates the identity of the project.
Photo: Andres Cedillo / Espacios