Floating Houses of Xochimilco

Srinidhi Krishnan

XOCHIMILCO

One of 16 Alcaldias/ municipalities of Mexico City and consists of 18 neighborhoods. It Was initially a city since the pre- colonial period but became a part of Mexico City due to government actions. The region is extremely far from the city center of Mexico City and has its own unique culture distinct from that of the city. It is Well known for its extensive system of lakes and canal systems which is significantly smaller in current times. Xochimilco has thriving tourism for the canal systems and artificially created islands called Chinampas. It is declared UNESCO heritage site to conserve the biodiversity of the area.

XOCHIMILCO DISTRICT MAPPING

CANAL SYSTEMS

AGRICULTURAL AREA

CHINAMPA LANDS

URBAN DEVELOPMENT

SITE LOCATION

SITE LOCATION: XOCHIMILCO

SITE AREA: 112,954 m2

SITE SURROUNDINGS:

EAST: PRESERVED FORESTS

WEST: CANAL SYSTEMS

NORTH: CUEMANCO MARKET

SOUTH: LAKE HEU SOUTH: LAKE HEUTZALIN

SITE SURROUNDINGS

CANAL SYSTEM

ISLAND OF DEAD DOLLS

CUEMANCO FLOWER MARKET

GRANJAS COAPA

SITE FEATURES

ONSITE FEATURES

The site is filled with dense indigenous species of trees and plants. It also has an existing Trajinera point towards the southern edge of the site. The site was until very recently partially submerged under the water of Lake Heutzalin.

SPATIAL CONCEPT

ONSITE FEATURES

Chinampa systems could be provided towards the east edge of the site, adjacent to the lake. People in the housing community could be involved in maintaining and farming in these chinampas. A dock system could also be provided near the east edge as a parking space for Trajineras. A bridge is placed to the North of the site as an interconnection between the community and the Cuemanco market. Three distinct platforms could be allotted for storage of agricultural products, residential areas and manufacturing/ workshop area.

CONCEPTUAL MASSING

Each unit would the same framework. But within this frame users would be able to occupy spaces in different ways. For example the living, sleeping and wet core areas could be distributed within the 3 dimensional framework. Such forms would also allow for increments of the spaces at a later point of time if needed. Elements such as windows, roofs and other forms of ornamentation could be customized according to user preference.

The housing platform occupies the central area within the site. It is interconnected to the manufacturing areas, agricultural land, chinampas, lake Huetzalin and the agricultural storage area. The housing platform consists of multiple smaller clusters of 4-5 houses which each have shared dining and kitchen areas. Towards the middle of the platform would be an area for all of the members of the community to gather and occupy the space flexibly.

SITE PLAN

FLOOR PLAN LEVEL 1

The ground floor consists of essential living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms. Each individual unit could be customized according to the preference of the users. Kitchen and dining areas are provided as shared facilities for each cluster of houses. As a result, people would have more space in their individual units as well as get the opportunity to interact with their community members in shared areas.

FLOOR PLAN LEVEL 2

The first floor consists of sleeping porches which could also be converted into a study area, terrace garden or any other functions according the user's preference.

BUILDING SECTION

The section demonstrates that the wooden platforms are located on top of pontoon systems.

SECTION

The section emphasizes the interior spaces within a unit of house.

SITE SECTION

The platform floats on water during floods with the help of pontoons and rests on the land acting like an amphibian.

EXPLODED VIEW

The pontoons form the base of the structure. Pontoons are cylindrical airtight structures are placed in docks to help them float on water. The wooden platform is placed on top of these air tight wooden barrels used for storing grains are converted into pontoons. The housing is also constructed out of wood from the trees grown on site for a lighter framework.

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