Mexican firm Viga Arquitectos sought to lighten up the atmosphere in a concrete house by reconfiguring the layout, adding pale-toned finishes and incorporating more greenery.
The project, called Casa Agua, entailed the renovation and expansion of a 1970s house in Mexico City whose original architect is unknown.
The house was built in the 1970s
The residence is located in Pedregal, an urban neighbourhood that was designed by famed architect Luis Barragán with input from artist Diego Rivera.
Local studio Viga Arquitectos wanted to preserve the home's original elements while creating a more open atmosphere for the new owners ? a family of five.
Walls are made of concrete and glass
"As part of a sustainable approach, it is intended to take advantage of the existing reticular structure, respecting the load-bearing walls and columns but always with the idea of ??opening the space to its maximum," the studio said. Rectangular in plan, the two-storey home has walls made of concrete and glass.
The upper balcony features a lattice screen
On the main elevation, which faces south, the architects added a new balcony that slightly extends over the lower level and is supported by metal columns.
Fronting this balcony is a folding, steel lattice that provides privacy.
"The main reason for the screen is that the client wanted to regulate their views during the day without the use of shades," the team said.
Pale wood in the double-height interior
A defining feature of the...