A private mezcal bar forms the heart of this ،use that Ams،am interior architecture firm Barde vanVoltt has overhauled in Mexico City’s La Condesa neighbour،od.
Working for longstanding Dutch clients w، live in Mexico, Barde vanVoltt transformed a historic, dilapidated building into a contemporary residence that respects the heritage of the existing structure.
“We walked together into this old, beautiful building, and instantly fell in love,” said studio founders Bart van Seggelen and Valérie Boerma. “Even t،ugh the ،use was falling apart, we felt its soul was fully alive.”
The three-storey ،use had previously been used as a mezcal tasting venue, and the duo used this as a s،ing point for the design.
A primary aim of the renovation was to create a “vi،nt oasis in the city” with a better connection to the outdoors.
This was achieved by connecting a series of courtyards, terraces and semi-enclosed corridors to form a route and airflow through the building.
“We worked together with Thalia from Aldaba Jardines, a talented landscape designer, to create a seamless flow from the indoors to the outdoors and back a،n,” said the studio..
In the central courtyard, Barde vanVoltt removed the roof from the double-height ،e and replaced it with operable gl، panels to let in more light.
The designers turned this ،e into a mezcal bar as a nod to the building’s former life that the owners could use for entertaining friends and family.
Backed by a semicircular br، panel, upon which shelves for liquor bottles are mounted, the rounded bar counter is wrapped in narrow terracotta tiles.
A five-metre-tall guayabo tree was also planted in the courtyard, casting shadows across the surrounding walls.
Open archways lead from this central ،e into various rooms including the kitchen and living area, which features dark cabinetry, open shelving, and a large bespoke wooden dining table.
Beyond a row of French doors is the back courtyard that forms an outdoor lounge, and an annex that accommodates a ،me office on the upper level.
To retain some of the original character, the architects recreated the cast iron, Art Deco windows and Spanish-style railings. and extended them to the back of the ،use.
The overall layout of ،es was kept largely the same, aside from a few walls that were removed to combine or create ، rooms.
For example, the primary bedroom and bathroom now flow together as one ،e, divided only by a par،ion of angled bricks that forms a backdrop to the freestanding bathtub.
“We included the bathroom into the ،e to create a ،me sanctuary to rest and refresh,” said Barde vanVoltt.
Two further bedrooms are located on the first floor, the other side of the central courtyard void at the front of the ،use.
The roof terrace features a plunge pool, an outdoor s،wer, a row of loungers and built-in seats, all accessed via a spiral staircase from the loggia outside the main bedroom.
The building’s exterior is covered in greige-coloured plaster, as a nod to Mexico’s prevalent concrete architecture, while warmer earth tones decorate the minimalist interiors.
Moss green sofa covers and bed linens visually tie to the plants outside, and wood, terracotta and off-white hues complement one another.
“We love the natural feel these colours have together,” said the designers. “According to colour psyc،logy, nature-inspired hues are the best for interiors as they soothe and invigorate.”
Floors for the stairs, bathroom and outdoor areas are tiled with handmade bricks by Tata Mosaicos, made from compacted earth sourced from different regions throug،ut Mexico.
“This unique structure means they need 50 per cent less cement, using the sun and shade to dry naturally and secure the structure,” Barde vanVoltt said. “An environmentally friendly solution, sourced locally.”
Custom lighting and Mexican objects, textiles, sculptures and other wall art are also found throug،ut the residence.
Barde vanVoltt has renovated many older buildings, having converted a former garage into a light-filled ،me and a century-old farm،use into a retail store – both in the Netherlands.
The p،tography is by Alejandro Ramírez Orozco.
Project credits:
Lead interior architect: Barde vanVoltt
Contractor: CF Taller de Arquitectura
Architect: ZVA Interiores & Arquitectura
Bathroom: Agape Bathrooms
Kitchen appliances: Gaggenau
Lighting: Studio Davidpompa, ILWT, Nuum،, Federico Stefanovich, DCW editions
Material: Tata Mosaicos
Rugs: Txt.ure
Furniture: Casa Quieta, Chuch Estudio, Acoocooro, Carl Hanssen & Sons, Arflex
Art: Kreyé, Chic by Accident, Carlos Vielma, Prince Láuder, Axelle Russo, Rrres, Saudara, Luuna Wabi
Landscaping: Aldaba Jardines
منبع: https://www.dezeen.com/2023/11/11/casa-mezcal-renovated-،use-la-condesa-mexico-city-barde-vanvoltt/