pascal arquitectos designs the mourning house as contemplative space

located in the busy urban center of mexico city, the mourning house by pascal arquitectos offers a peaceful, introverted space to live and meditate. the design was centered around creating a soulful space, taking cues from egyptian and mayan architecture of worship to recreate a contemporary interpretation. from the exterior, irregular blocks of flamed granite define a visually strong and opaque envelope interrupted only by a marked triangular opening where a 30′ tall wooden door leads to a darkened entry foyer with the same shape. the same granite cladding continues through the interior to provide for a neutral backdrop in a full-height chamber devoid of any furniture or ornament save for a central sculpture designed by artist saul kaminer and a floating timber bench that wraps around the defining walls. 

the exterior facade features an asymmetrical array of granite block
image © víctor benítez (also first image)

a central sky-lit courtyard provides natural light within the windowless space as well as an additional semi-outdoor meditation area clad in the same timber planks. a wooden roof gently slopes towards the floor curving away from the wall just shy of touching it, where a sky light washing the interior wall with light illuminating the granite’s texture. on the second story, encompassing only a fraction of the angular footprint, a small kitchen and living room service the master bedroom on the third floor above. a large window on each of these levels offers views over the city for the spaces that are not meant for contemplation and instead for looking out. openings and volumes take the shape of simple, powerful geometries, with a material palette focused on raw contrasting materials activated by natural light.

a 6.5′ x 30′ wooden door is the only breka in the facade, opening into a darkened entry hall
image © víctor benítez

the central meditation room is defined by the same material on walls and floor, while wood is used for the ceiling and surrounding bench 
image © víctor benítez

image © víctor benítez

image © víctor benítez

the central skylit courtyard floods the interior with natural light
image © víctor benítez

image © víctor benítez

image © víctor benítez

the external courtyard provides an additional space for contemplation
image © víctor benítez

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project info:

architectural project: pascal arquitectos, carlos pascal & gerard pascal
construction: arch. rafael salame
project date: 2006
area: 262 m2
address: bosques de las lomas, mexico city
photographer: víctor benítez

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