manuel cervantes combines house + studio under staggered terrace structure in mexico city

manuel cervantes combines residence and design studio into one with ‘casa estudio’, situated in mexico city. taking the local topography into consideration, the structure preserves and highlights the surrounding natural elements in order to generate a project with a dual character, where a new approach to indoor living emerges.

all images by rafael gamo

manuel cervantes estudio has used the environmental characteristics of the site as an architectural starting point for the project. as a result, ‘casa estudio’ generates a total spatial and visual integration with the exterior. the design forms a staggered structure, generating a series of terraces, which at each level serve as an extension of the interior space. this staggering allows the whole to be integrated with the topography of the property without being so aggressive with the boundaries.

the program basically consists of two houses – the ‘pent-house’ and the ‘pent-garden’ – that connect through an outdoor common area, which also serves as a parking lot. the ‘pent-house’ features a lobby which gives way to a slightly elevated garden. this space serves as an extension of the social area of ​​the house, which opens onto a terrace overlooking the nearby ravine. this building has two levels, with the upper part housing the private bedroom and the lower level accommodating the social and service areas.

the ‘pent-garden’ includes an outdoor lobby area that leads occupants to the upper private levels, where the bedrooms and family room are located or, to a staircase that goes down to the ground floor. this exterior lobby also serves as a private access point to the studio, located two levels below. the social area of ​​the ‘pent-garden’ dwelling lives towards an interior garden, fenced with an apparent concrete wall that follows the line of architecture. the idea of ​​forming this space without frank views towards the ravine was with the idea of ​​generating a more intimate space.

the project reflects a combination of stepped volumes enveloped by a concrete perimeter tape, that frames each of the different levels. all parts of both dwellings are linked to ceramic walls on the side facades and concrete slabs that turn towards the ravine and street. the apparent finishes of the project include wooden partitions and joists that further reflect the structure of the project.

project info:

name: casa estudio
architecture office: manuel cervantes estudio
location: mexico city, mexico

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom