Casa Verne

Text description provided by architect.

Una mansión de los años 30’s ubicada en un tranquilo emplazamiento dentro de un patio común justo en el centro de la Ciudad de México es transformada en un hogar para una familia.

A townhouse from the 1930s, situated in a quiet setting inside a shared courtyard right in the centre of Mexico City, is transformed into a family home.y on the roof garden level.

A derelict existing structure was freed from excessive internal walls to create generous living spaces. Patios and openings for roof lights were cut into the building to maximize daylight in the previously dimly lit lower levels.

A new floor was added to the top of the existing building by introducing a large overhang roof made of white concrete, providing shadow for the fully glazed interior spaces that benefit from softly moderated daylight.

Full height sliding glass screens all across the top floor open up panoramic views into the rich greenery giving the impression of a secluded oasis within the buzzing city centre.

Besides the new roof the entire flooring is realized from cut marble pebbles in direct reference to Mexico City's lost river beds and lakes that used to form the landscape before the city was established.

Furthermore an in-situ concrete bench and table were cast into a niche within the garden.

Spaces within the existing structure were joined and revamped with new window openings, wooden flooring, a new fire place, built-in furniture and brass lamps specifically designed for the project.