START - THE END
Firstly, the drawing process of the architectural project is intended to be as simple and intuitive as that of free drawing on paper. The Mima grid provides the control and orientation of the axes, measurements and proportions, leaving the remaining parameters and experimentations to the inhabitants’ discression, under the architect’s attentive eye and guidance.
The subdivision of the grid gives us the guidelines for the design of the small components and detail, like the correct dimension of the corridors, doors, wardrobes and kitchen cabinets is present down to the tiniest components of the house.
The role of the grid indoors is crucial, as it not only ensures the different accurate space proportions but also allows for a coherent distribution of the house compartments.
The grid allows for the definition of the house footprint, with the design being possible in different shapes and configurations. The houses can be 'L' shaped, 'U' shaped or any other shape which suits the site and the client's choice.
On an urban scale, the grid acts as a base for the footprint definition, respecting the legal setbacks and the construction index of each site.
Wood constructions have advantages in terms of timings as it is faster than the other options as well as less impact on the site and surroundings and is more sustainable.
Concrete constructions are used when the client wishes to have indoor and outdoor exposed concrete walls.
Masonry is the most cost.effective option. It is just as resistant and efficient as the other options allowing for the same image as far as the façade and overall aspect of the house are concerned.
It is possible for clients to opt for a mix of materials such as, stone,wood and concrete. The interior part of the house can be mixed too, for instance, concrete walls and a wooden roof structure
MIMA SYSTEM
MATERIALS
The exposed concrete is a noble and sophisticated material for being a real structural element. A choice by most architects for its sobriety and resistance as well as for the fact that it requires little maintenance and keeps sober and timeless over the years.
MATERIALS
Wood is a noble material which allows the creation of very interesting visual solutions when applied to the façade cladding. One can explore different shades, colours, strip density and orientation. Usually wood requires maintenance, unless it is decided to let it age naturally thus acquire a grayish colour.
MATERIALS
The XPS coating has the advantage of being both a thermal insulation and coating system, with a choice of a wide variety of colours and textures. It is both cost-effective and versatile.
MATERIALS
Different materials can also be explored for the façade, thus obtaining sophisticated and interesting solutions from the association of wood with concrete or stone.
INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS
As the project of a house is a whole, which does not end in the house’s envelope but requires a conducive design of the exterior and interior space, the Mimahousing team ensures a carefully designed solution for the whole project. The interior space of a house turns out to be the one that most directly determines the daily well-being of the inhabitants. In this sense, and with a view to guaranteeing the visual and spatial quality of the architectural ensemble, Mimahousing offers guidance on the interiors and exteriors from an early stage of the project.
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