casa lohr emerges from 19th-century stone ruins in mérida to embrace raw materiality

20diezz arquitectos transforms mexican ruins into a home

In the historic center of Mérida, Mexico, Casa Lohr rises from the ruins of an abandoned 19^th-century colonial house. 20Diezz Arquitectos restores the crumbling stone structure, conserving its historic vestiges and evocative remnants of the masonry wall, which becomes a definitive feature of the project both visually and functionally. Sensitive to the site, a new architectural program is generated, guiding visitors on a fluid journey to the open, communal living space, to the transitionary semi-exterior terrace, culminating with the intimate outdoor patio with a pool, framed by the ruinous stone walls. Throughout the interior, the design also infuses contemporary elements with the traditional in a celebration of raw materiality and pure earth tones that lend a timeless, graceful charm to the home.

master bedroom opening out onto the patio and pool | all images by Manolo R. Solis

neutral earth tones give new life to casa lohr

20Diezz Arquitectos preserves most of the original structure which dates to the end of the 19^th-century, while exploring a harmonious relationship between the traditional and the contemporary. Reviving the historic structure the architects introduce elements that are both sensitive to the original architectural language, and with a minimalist contemporary feel. Pure expressions of raw materials and neutral earthy tones are featured across the fine patchwork, burnished white cement, stone walls extracted from the site, bespoke pasta floor tiles designed especially for Casa Lohr, and a ceiling based on apparent joists and voussoirs that expose the traditional construction method.

The new program responds to the conditions of the home, its location and its residents’ needs. While most of the original plan has been maintained, 20Diezz transforms the old rear vestibular spaces into bedrooms. Stepping into the home, a definitive axis guides visitors through, and allows the visualization of the different historical stages of the space. A series of semicircular arched openings carved into the walls frame each space and express a consistent visual language. Two corridors run through the residence, housing the main hall, secondary bedroom and open plan communal area with the living room, dining room and kitchen. Connected to the kitchen, an outdoor roofed terrace houses the heart of the project — the ruins of a historic stone masonry wall. The structure articulates the space, framing with it a central contained patio, a pool, and a jacuzzi, inviting meditation and dialogue with nature.

all furniture was designed by Artesano Mx

bespoke pasta tile floors recall local, traditional Yucatecan design

the terrace sits as a transition space between the interior and exterior patio

earthy tones and textures define the timeless ambience of the master bedroom

20Diezz Arquitectos integrates contemporary and traditional design elements, materials and textures

20Diezz Arquitectos conserve the crumbling 19th-century masonry wall

a back patio provides an intimate nook to relax with a hammock and jacuzzi

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project info:

name: Casa Lohr
architecture: Veinte Diezz Arquitectos

interior design: Artesano Mx

location: Mérida, Mexico

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom