elias rizo arquitectos breathes new life into the 1960's casa ro

elias rizo arquitectos breathes new life into the 1960’s casa ro
image © marcos garcia
all images courtesy of elias rizo arquitectos

the history of ‘casa ro’ designed by mexican studio elias rizo arquitectos begins at its original construction in the early 1960’s in a well established residential district of guadalajara, mexico. the existing structure was renovated to better suit the new small family that now calls it home, redefining spaces and construction techniques while maintaining vestiges of the international style that once defined it. the open floor plan interior is flanked by two new features that define the front and rear sections of the home.
view from the back yard swimming pool
image © marcos garcia

at the entrance, a new double height atrium sets the tone for the light-filled design clad in generous panes of glass. at the rear, what used to be the outdoor patio is now converted into a transitional semi-interior space giving way to a new sheltered, yet exterior, patio. this area contains a series of wood sculptures and timber walls that form almost gallery-like backdrops partially subdividing spaces and their various functions. interior color palettes are subdued neutral tones of greys, whites, and blacks, contrasted drastically by the warmth and richness of the timber elements. the existing black marble floors were maintained as well as possible, grounding the spaces and allowing the fixtures and walls to take on more of a protagonist’s role.

closed wooden screens on the top floor provide shade and privacy
image © marcos garcia

the additional steel structure left exposed in various capacities is electrostatically painted with a matte dark grey that similarly plays with the darkness of the heavier elements of the house, yet frames large panes of glass that allow views to the yard protected by two large white walls. the new home, given its transparent envelope, also needed a strategy for not only controlling privacy but the amount of solar heat gain as well. full-height sliding screens made of opaque timber planks and sections of thin wooden slats slide across the facade offering various amounts of privacy and shade.

open screens allow views to the exterior and sunlight to the interior
image © marcos garcia