HW Studio

Emma house . Morelia

In the fascinating world of architecture, there are encounters that move us, where light becomes a magical element that awakens transformative experiences. It is within this context that we present this project, Casa Emma: a creation inspired not only by the Museum of Stories of Paula Rego designed by Eduardo Souto de Moura but also by the architectural essence of the Purépecha granaries, the traditional indigenous dwellings of this part of the country, serving as a muse for both its form and materiality in this contemporary reinterpretation.

The life of Paula and the way Souto de Moura manipulates light in the museum have been a profound source of inspiration for us. We have marveled at how light filters from above, softening shadows and creating a divine atmosphere that evokes a deep emotional connection.

In this project, we seek to convey that same sense of serene calm through light. We have carefully explored how to capture the essence of descending light, creating an immersive experience that aims to touch the souls of those entering the space.

Beyond architectural influence, this project is dedicated to Emma, whose hardworking spirit and love have been a beacon of inspiration in our quest to create a space that warmly welcomes its inhabitants.

This project is an invitation to immerse oneself in a world where light becomes the language of emotions and connection with oneself. A space that pays homage to the beauty of light, the story of Paula, and Emma, welcoming from the heavens.
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Casa Emma
Morelia, Mexico

Architects: HW STUDIO
Instagram: @hwstudioarq
Leads Architects: Rogelio Vallejo Bores
Architects: Oscar Didier Ascencio Castro, Nik Zaret Cervantes Ordaz Structural Engineering: ARGA Constructora
Construction company: Alberto Gallegos Negrete (Grupo GAPSE) Clients: Alejandro Solís Hernández

Location: Morelia, Michoacán, México
Completion: July 2024
Project type: House Building Area: 54.35 mts2 Site Area: 40.00 mts2

Budget: 120,000.00 USD

Photo credits:
Pictures: César Béjar
Video: Mavix. Hugo Tirso Domínguez

Principale materials:
Structure: Concrete walls, Brick masonry walls, flat and sloped reinforced concrete slabs, and floors and foundations made of concrete.
Exterior Finish: Fine plastering with chukum (a natural coating made from the resin of the chukum tree, mixed with water and stone powder, originating from Yucatan, Mexico).
Interior Finish: Chukum plastering in the entry hallway and bathroom, with the rest of the house covered in engineered wood.

Brands in the project:
Krion: Solid surface I 1100 Snow White.
Bastet luxury floors: Engineered oak wood I CHAMOX. Interceramic: Porcelain floor tile I Lims® Ivory 75×150,
Vanity I Atenas, Kitchen faucet I Matte white Pívot®, Bathroom faucet I Polished chrome Siena.
Bticino: Plates and switches I Living Now.
iLumiled: Floor luminaire I ILUEP1WWW, LED strip I 2216 2200 K. Tecnolite: Digital timer I TT-158
Steren: Video doorbell I CCTV-0990.
ERA: Electric grill I ERA PEI-4-60 black 110V.
Calorex: Electric water heater I PRO 40.
Altamira: Hydraulic pressure booster kit I PRES10, PRES-16-1115-230. Tornado: Submersible water pump I KIN58-8/1230A.

En el fascinante mundo de la arquitectura, existen encuentros que conmueven, donde la luz se convierte en un elemento mágico que despierta experiencias transformadoras. Es dentro de este contexto que presentamos este proyecto, Casa Emma: una creación inspirada no solo en el Museo de las Historias de Paula Rego diseñado por Eduardo Souto de Moura, sino también en la esencia arquitectónica de las trojes purépechas, la vivienda tradicional indígena de esta parte del país, sirviendo de musa tanto para su forma como para su materialidad en esta reinterpretación contemporánea. 
La vida de Paula y la forma en que Souto de Moura manipula la luz en el museo han sido una profunda fuente de inspiración para nosotros. Nos hemos maravillado al contemplar cómo la luz se filtra desde lo alto, suavizando las sombras y creando una atmósfera divina que evoca una conexión emocional profunda. 
En este proyecto, buscamos transmitir esa misma sensación de serena calma a través de la luz. Hemos explorado cuidadosamente cómo capturar la esencia de la luz descendente, creando una experiencia envolvente que busca tocar el alma de quienes ingresan al espacio. 
Más allá de la influencia arquitectónica, este proyecto está dedicado a Emma, cuyo espíritu trabajador y amor han sido un faro de inspiración en nuestra búsqueda por crear un espacio que reciba gentilmente a sus habitantes. 
Este proyecto es una invitación a sumergirse en un mundo donde la luz se convierte en el lenguaje de las emociones y la conexión con uno mismo. Un espacio que rinde homenaje a la belleza de la luz, a la historia de Paula y a Emma, dando la bienvenida desde el cielo.