La Caja en el Cercado

La Caja en el Cercado stands alone, tucked away on one side of the Sierra Madre Oriental, a mountain chain within the municipality of Santiago. El Cercado, a small region within this municipality, is nestled at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by vast pine forests and other tall trees that reveal breathtaking landscapes. 

The main idea of the project was to repurpose steel structures commonly used for stage platforms, such as those found in concert stages, to create a durable structure that could be quickly assembled using welding and screwing methods. This approach allowed for efficient construction and the potential for replication if necessary. 

The project consist of four platforms that divide the common spaces within the box and other four upside down platforms that led to hang up the bedroom area and the dome shapes for lighting the entire cabin, all thanks to the "hanged and raised" steel structure system.

The exterior front facade features a staircase leading to the cabin entrance, with a small plunge pool located beside it—ideal for the long summers. The first platform serves as the main receiving area, containing the living room, while the black chromed chimney and workplace desk area are situated to its left. From this platform, access is provided to the service platform on one side and to the upper levels via a ladder attached to its side. The third platform houses a kitchenette and sanitary cell.

Below the sanitary cell, four compartments are accessible from the exterior of the cabin. One contains rain capture systems and water supply valves, while another houses the dry flush toilet system and greywater gatherer. The third partition accommodates the battery of solar panels and connections to the electric grid, if required, while the last compartment holds storage and an oil generator for emergencies.

The fourth platform, directly in front of the kitchen, serves as the dining table and breakfast nook, offering a 360-degree view of the cabin and exterior thanks to the open space provided by the structure and elongated windows. The upper platform or mezzanine houses the bedroom and a closed area with a system of sliding wooden curtains for privacy. At this level, the window area is reduced for enhanced comfort during sleep. From the last platform, one can access the door hatch above, leading to the balcony where breathtaking landscapes of the area await.