# Rectangular Compact Houses Espacio 18 & Cueto Arquitectura Collaborated on a Site in Mexico By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-03-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-houses References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/03/11/espacio-18-squeezes-grey-townhouse-onto-tight-plot-in-mexico/) & [espacio18.mx](http://www.espacio18.com.mx/) In recent years architects have been challenged with the concept of compact houses and how their structures may be integrated within elevation-varying landscapes or overpopulated urban areas. [Espacio 18](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-tobi) and Cueto Arquitectura collaborated on such a project in Mexico for a young couple, "who were looking for a refuge that would take them away from the outer chaos and create a space of tranquility," as Espacio 18 describes. The two architecture studios opted for a beautiful and practical exterior that combines wood and concrete. The juxtaposition between the two materials makes for a wonderful modern facade. The [Casa Once](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-ll) is one of those compact houses that appears much larger than it actually is—at 2,680 square feet, the space has three floors, a rooftop patio and a bright internal courtyard. Photo Credits: [Lorena Darquea](http://www.lorenads.com/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 87% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Compact Housing:** There is an opportunity for architects and developers to create small and affordable homes in overpopulated areas and elevation-varying landscapes. - **Mixed Material Facades:** Designers have an opportunity to mix materials such as wood and concrete to create aesthetically pleasing and modern facades for compact houses and other structures. - **Multi-level Living Spaces:** There is an opportunity for architects to create multi-level living spaces that maximize square footage while choosing materials that reflect the owners' design preferences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Architects have a great opportunity to design practical and beautiful compact houses that meet the needs of consumers in urban areas and elevation-varying landscapes. - **Real Estate:** Real estate professionals could capitalize on the trend of compact houses by creating and selling smaller, affordable homes that appeal to younger buyers. - **Construction:** Construction companies could consider using mixed materials in building facades and designing multi-level spaces that maximize limited square footage. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Interior Courtyard Mexican Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-ll.md) - [High Concrete Walled Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cesar-mancillas.md) - [Lofty Minimalist Living Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimalist-living-space1.md) - [Modern Minimal Concrete Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/copas.md) - [Dynamic Volume Hillside Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-shi.md) - [Nature-Inspired Hilltop Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/las-rocas.md) - [Light-CelebratingTwo-Storey Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-tres-rboles.md) - [Monolithic Custom Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-catedral.md) - [Compact Urban Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stealth-house.md)