Marfa, well known as a tiny art mecca in West Texas, has continued to develop as a destination for art enthused travelers.  The constant inflow of visitors has birthed a lucrative short term rental market, leading to a shortage of affordable housing in the community.  The Goat Heads, named after the spiny seeds of the Tribulus terrestris plant – a stubborn weed that pervades the project site, are a pair of micro dwellings that aim to help alleviate this shortage.

Situated on an infill lot, the modest, 360 square foot dwellings are fully equipped with kitchens, baths, comfortable living and sleeping spaces, and ample built-in storage.

The simple volumes evoke a modernist ideal of shelter.  A front porch and small courtyard animate the exterior of each unit.  These elements help mediate the difference in scale between outdoors and indoors.  The concrete block screen walls that form the courtyards cut the wind and sun, creating an intimate micro environment for indoor activities to spill out into.

Passive heating and cooling are harnessed through thoughtful orientation.  Natural daylighting minimizes the need for artificial lighting and keeps occupants in-tune with circadian rhythms.  Humble, off-the-shelf materials are creatively employed to provide warmth and richness, but also durability against the harsh desert environment.

The studio often spends time in Marfa, and considers themselves rooted members of the community.  As time opened up during the Covid pandemic, we took the opportunity to self-develop the project and put it forth as our contribution to the community’s need.

Material Used :
1. Facade cladding: Corrugated Metal, Mueller
2. Flooring: Concrete, Hsealconcrete
3. Doors: Aluminum, JeldWen
4. Windows: Aluminum, DYC / Thermaglass Polycarbonate
5. Roofing: Metal, Mueller
6. Interior lighting: TorchStar LED
7. Masonry: Featherlite  
8. HVAC: Mitshubishi 
9. Countertops: Paperstone