Facts
39 square meters (419 square feet)
Built 2015-present
Designed and Constructed by Adam Chisholm and Julia Kernitz
El Sargento, BCS, Mexico
Location
Casa Aureal is an off-grid cabin located in the foothills of the Cacachilas Mountains, approximately 3km west of the Sea of Cortez. The concept of the house is based upon the Golden Section proportion, or "Aureal' in Spanish. The front elevation and the floor plan are both based on this proportion of 1 to 1.618.
The house is built into the hillside, both to minimize its visual impact on the landscape and to maximize its thermal efficiency. With the Sea of Cortez and Isla Cerralvo directly in front of the house, the view has been oriented in that direction and framed with an over-sized sliding glass door system.
Structure
The floor plan is divided into two spaces- the lower living and kitchen area and the raised sleeping area. Underneath the sleeping area is a storage area. Originally a bathroom was planned for the upper portion, but given the pleasant desert climate and an exterior bath built adjacent to the house during construction, this space is used as a work area and wardrobe.
Sustainability
The mechanical systems are completely off-grid, and include a 270-watt solar system, 10,000 liter underground water tank, propane gas mechnical systems and small biodigestor septic system intended for rural houses. The house electrical system has been wired completely 12-volt, and the maximum power draw of the major electrical equipment (well water pump, refrigerator) is only 60 watts. This allows the house to function on a bare minimum of electricity usage.
