estudio estudio revives a 1930s-era house in mexico city

Preserving Authenticity with sensitive Restorations

Estudio Estudio takes to Mexico City‘s historic neighborhood of Hipódromo Condesa to complete its Y.27 House, a testament to resilience and restoration. Originally built in the 1930s, this once-neglected heritage building has been revitalized in celebration of its original charm, its functionality enhanced with seamlessly integrated contemporary elements.

images © Zaickz Moz Studio | @zaickz.moz

estudio estudio embraces the spirit of 1930s architecture

The primary objective of the architects at Estudio Estudio was to honor the rich history of the Y.27 House in Mexico City by peeling away layers of past modifications and restoring its original state. The architects embarked on a meticulous journey, uncovering and restoring ornamental elements to capture the essence of the house’s bygone era. With a focus on authenticity, the team skillfully preserved the house’s inherent style while infusing it with modern touches. The use of wood and stucco, minimalist details, and practical solutions seamlessly blend the past with the present, creating a harmonious balance.

a mexico city home thoughtfully redesigned

The ground floor of the Y.27 House encompasses a program thoughtfully designed by Estudio Estudio to seamlessly integrate daily living requirements. Upon arrival, a welcoming garage sets the tone for the residence. An elegant vestibule, accompanied by a half bathroom, leads to a central living space that forms the heart of the house. Inspired by an original kitchen door, the expanded arch motif creates a harmonious flow throughout the ground floor, captivating both residents and guests.

Modifications to the rear facade and strategic skylights flood the interior with natural light, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. Collaborating with lighting expert Luca Salas, the bespoke lighting design strikes a delicate balance between ambiance, functionality, and aesthetics. Adjacent laundry and service areas exemplify the fusion of practicality and beauty, with concrete tiles in the kitchen evoking the spirit of the original era and wooden parquet flooring lending a touch of luxurious simplicity to most spaces.

The second level hosts three bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathrooms and elegantly-designed closets feature traditional linen on simple wooden frames. A family room serves as a tranquil retreat, complementing the calm areas of the residence. A flight of stairs connects the second level to the roof terrace, seamlessly unifying the back facade and offering glimpses of the interior.

large windows open the interiors onto lush gardens

Creative space on the Third Level

The Mexico City dwelling surprises with a carefully crafted wooden structure on the third level, housing a generous seventy square-meter studio with a bathroom. This dedicated space serves as a haven for creativity, providing an inspiring environment for work or leisure. Opening up to an inviting rooftop terrace, residents can bask in the expansive views while enjoying moments of tranquility in the onsen. A canopy of an American sweetgum tree provides shade, while modular terracotta flooring supports a lush foliage, creating a soothing oasis.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the roof terrace also serves a functional purpose as a rainwater collector. Rainwater travels through the house into a water reservoir and filter system beneath the back patio, showcasing the integration of sustainable techniques. Cross ventilation and the use of natural light through skylights and large wall openings further contribute to the house’s eco-conscious design.

skylights flood the lofty stairwell with filtered sunlight

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project info:

project title: Y.27 House

architecture: Estudio Estudio | @_estudioestudio_

location: Mexico City, Mexico

lead architects: Inés Benítez and Nuria Benítez
design team: Inés Benítez and Nuria Benítez, Guillermo Guzmán, Ana Paula González
interior cabinetry: Estudio Estudio
lighting design: Luca Salas Santivarri
landscape: Juan Diego Lebrija
contractors: Estructura DI & Valiz
photography: © Zaickz Moz Studio | @zaickz.moz