Located in Cumbres de Santa Fe, Mexico City, Mexico, this beautiful contemporary residence is known as Casa Tierra, which is Spanish for Earth House. It is a sustainable residence that was developed with the conviction that landscape architecture should mean “synthesis of art, science and philosophy aiming to take care of the scenery of the earth in a truly holistic, creative and sustainable way”.
The architects behind this project were Serrano Monjaraz Arquitectos, who understood the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the 80-hectare lot on which the house was built. Thus the three streams that run along the property and the green areas surrounding them were kept intact and beautifully integrated into the landscape.
For an even stronger connection with the lot, the architects used Pressed Earth Blocks (PEB) for the construction of the house. The soil was locally sourced and it was combined with 7% lime and 3% concrete. PEB is an excellent building material, made entirely from non-toxic ingredients, and offering many energy and cost efficient advantages. It is soundproof, pest and fire resistant, structurally sound and esthetically pleasing, all this without requiring extra-thick walls.
Other eco features of Casa Tierra include a geothermal heating system, solar collectors that can heat all the water that is necessary for every day activities, photovoltaic panels that help reduce energy consumption by up to 100%, eco lighting systems, insulated walls and ceilings, green rooftop, and water saving fixtures. This residence truly stands as an excellent example of eco-consciousness for the entire community.
