in residence with fernando romero and his modernist mexican villa

 

 

 

for the first time on camera, fernando romero, founder of FR-EE – a protégé of dutch architect rem koolhaas – has allowed nowness to document his private family villa in the suburbs of mexico city, which was designed in 1955 by architect francisco artigas. ‘to me, this house is the ultimate modernity dream come true,’ says romero of the two-story, mid-century residence. ‘it is extremely flexible for all types of activities: for family, for socializing, for living,’ he adds.

 

for a glimpse inside the never before seen private villa, watch the video below, alongside with an exclusive interview on the design of romero’s home.

 

 

 

 

nowness: can you tell us about the home’s architect, francisco artigas?  

fernando romero: he was a mexican autodidact architect mainly known for developments in the wealthy pedregal and san ángel neighborhoods south of mexico city. the architecture is strongly influenced by artigas’ contemporary, the california-based richard neutra. 



 

NN: tell us about the layout of the house? 

FR: I like that the house has a very efficient L-shaped two-story floor plan organizing the private spaces on the upper floor, while all public and social spaces are located at the ground floor. a double-height interior patio covered by a skylight provides natural lighting to both stories, while the social areas are directly connected to the garden and an outdoor pool.



 

NN: is the architecture typical for the neighborhood?

FR: this house is a small surprise because these types of villas were more popular in the southern pedregal and san ángel neighborhoods of the city. 



 

NN: did you make any changes to the house when you moved in?

FR: on the contrary, for my family and me, it was all about preserving it and taking good care of it.

 

NN: what is your idea of the perfect house?

FR: at this moment in my life, an invisible house.