Mexican architecture firm Espacio 18 has made the most of a narrow site in Puebla, by incorporating a bright internal courtyard and a rooftop patio into a dark-rendered residence.

Casa Once spans 2,680 square feet (249 square metres) across three floors, with a main living area on its ground floor and three bedrooms upstairs. The house was a collaboration project between local firms Espacio 18 Arquitectura and Cueto Arquitectura, led by Juan Pablo Fernandez Cueto.

"Casa Once was designed to suit a young couple who were looking for a refuge that would take them away from the outer chaos and create a space of tranquillity," said Espacio 18.

The home has a rectangular floor plan, taking up all of the buildable area and leaving no yard space. To create outdoor areas, the top floor has a patio overlooking the city, while a protected courtyard on the ground floor introduces greenery inside.
 
"The house is located in a single family complex in the city of Puebla, where the real-estate sector has grown dramatically," said Espacio 18. "The price of land has increased as a result of this boom, so the properties are [getting] smaller and more exclusive."

Upon entering is a sitting room, dining area and kitchen. A black metal staircase leads upstairs with timber boards, adding a contemporary industrial feel.

An acacia tree is planted in the centre of the internal courtyard, and changes to a bright purple in the spring, adding the only pop ...