A Small Sanctuary in Morelia

In the bustling centre of Morelia, Mexico, Casa Emma stands as a testament to thoughtful design that transcends space limitations. Designed by HW Studio, this home brings tranquillity to an urban setting, offering a quiet retreat from the outside world and providing its occupants with a feeling of calm and space, despite the minimal size.

Experience the Architectural Mastery of Casa Emma

This week we bring you insights as told by Architect Roger Bores, and a home tour with Didier A Castro, the Co-founder's of HW Studio to understand the story, design process and take a look inside.

HW Studio's Innovative Design Approach

One of the most fascinating aspects of HW Studio’s design process is their incorporation of neuropsychology. The firm collaborates with a neuropsychologist to better understand the emotional relationships clients have with their living spaces. This psychological insight informs their architectural decisions, ensuring that each project resonates deeply with the inhabitants.

Roger Bores, Architect and Co-founder of HW Studio, explains that the personality and emotional needs of the client are central to their design philosophy. Projects are created to evoke specific feelings, making each home a unique, personalized experience. Casa Emma, with a calming minimalist aesthetic and thoughtful use of natural light, exemplifies this approach. It is a space designed to foster tranquility and reflection, aligning with the emotional needs of its occupant.

Cultural Connection and Tribute

The cultural narrative of Casa Emma is deeply rooted in the traditions of Morelia, drawing inspiration from Purépecha granaries (Trojes). The thoughtful use of natural wood and earthy plaster reflects a modern reinterpretation of these traditional forms, creating a home that feels intrinsically connected to the region’s history and craftsmanship.

Roger Bores reflects upon and explains how the home’s story is further enriched by its tribute to the strong, independent woman who previously lived there, emphasizing her resilience and how it resonated deeply with the architects, influencing the emotional layer of the project. Architecture tells stories—not just of form and function, but of people and their lives. Her resilience is echoed in the home’s grounding materiality and minimalist design—a quiet strength that stands firm yet embraces simplicity.

For HW Studio, the process was not just about building a house, but creating a space that reflects the spirit of its past while offering a tranquil sanctuary for the future. The resilience and determination of the previous owner resonated deeply with the architects, influencing the design choices and adding an emotional layer to the project..

Making Use Of Natural Elements

Despite being situated on a compact 4x10 meter plot, Casa Emma establishes a feeling of spaciousness by utilisation of it's deep connection with, and use of natural elements and material selections. The design maximizes the use of zenithal light, allowing natural light to flood the interiors through a central skylight. This clever use of overhead light creates dynamic patterns throughout the day, fostering a calming atmosphere that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors.

An important detail is the small window at the front of the home, strategically placed to capture views of the newly planted foliage outside. This feature creates a striking visual effect on the façade, with shadows shifting throughout the day and casting intricate patterns on the plaster walls. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the home’s serene aesthetic and reflects HW Studio’s meticulous attention to detail.

Architectural Details and Materials

The architectural language of Casa Emma pays homage to traditional Purépecha craftsmanship. The use of chukum plaster on the exterior—a natural finish originating from the Yucatán region—gives the home an earthy and grounded aesthetic. Inside, extensive wood detailing evokes the warmth and familiarity of a traditional Purépecha granary, known locally as a "Troje."

This interplay between modern minimalism and cultural tradition is a hallmark of HW Studio’s design philosophy. The materials are not just decorative—they tell a story of place and heritage, creating a home that feels deeply rooted in its Mexican context.

Interior Design Philosophy

The interiors of Casa Emma are minimalist yet inviting. An open-plan layout combines living, dining, and kitchen areas without partitions, optimizing the available space and creating a sense of flow. The simplicity of the design emphasizes functionality and serenity, with concealed storage solutions maintaining clean lines and reducing visual clutter.

The furnishings are carefully selected, with a focus on natural materials and minimalist aesthetics. The use of greenery inside the home adds a touch of life , complementing the earthy tones of the plaster and warmth of wood finishes. This thoughtful, yet simple integration of intentionally placed plants aligns with the home’s philosophy of bringing nature into everyday living spaces.

Unique Features and Highlights

A standout element of Casa Emma is the central skylight, inspired by HW Studio’s visit to the Paula Rego Museum. The skylight allows natural light to cascade gently into the home, creating dynamic patterns that change throughout the day. This feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the home’s passive cooling strategy, reducing the need for mechanical systems.

The front façade’s interaction with natural light showcases HW Studio’s mastery of subtle design elements. The small window frames a view of the exterior greenery, allowing dappled light to filter through and create intricate shadow patterns on the walls. While primarily visible from the street, this façade element enriches the building’s external character and provides a dynamic, ever-evolving texture that enhances the home’s presence within its urban setting.

Additionally, modern technology is seamlessly integrated into Casa Emma without disrupting its minimalist design. A motorized Wi-Fi-operated window provides practical ventilation, demonstrating how contemporary solutions can be incorporated discreetly to enhance functionality.

By prioritizing natural ventilation and daylighting, Casa Emma minimizes its environmental impact while maximizing comfort for its residents. The result is a home that feels alive and responsive to its environment.

OAAK Final Thoughts

Casa Emma is more than just a house—it’s a peaceful sanctuary that invites reflection and connection. Through the thoughtful use of natural light, cultural references, and minimalist design, HW Studio has created a space that feels both timeless and contemporary.

The final result reflects both the traditions of Morelia and the story of those who shape its spaces—past and present.

For a deeper understanding of this project, watch the video tour below with Co-founder Didier A. Castro, where he shares insights into Casa Emma’s design philosophy.

For a more detailed understanding of the design and construction process of Casa Emma in another interview, Architect Roger Bores shares more about the design philosophy and choices, construction methodology, and the emotional and cultural inspirations behind the home’s design. Watch that interview here. Or visit HW Studio to learn more. and view other projects.

Casa Emma stands as a beautiful reminder that architecture has the power to shape how we experience the world around us.

All images credited to César Béjar. For more of his work, visit Instagram @cesarbejarstudio.

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