bgp arquitectura revives 20th century structure in mexico city as luminous home-studio

ave maria studio-house unfolds around a central patio

In the historic center of Coyoacan, the oldest neighborhood in Mexico City, bgp Arquitectura has remodelled a 20^th century home into a luminous living and working space. Led by architects Bernardo Gómez-Pimienta and Luis Enrique Mendoza, the Ave Maria Studio-House has undergone a comprehensive transformation extending from reviving its existing construction to redefining its interiors. The original structure has been predominantly preserved, with certain interventions opening up walls for a more spacious and light-infused program, while new bespoke furniture pieces and a sculptural staircase inject a more modern character character. A significant expansion to the original structure materialized in the form of a new heavily glazed wing, library, and studio — all encircling the central patio. Steel bookcases, integrated into the design, house an extensive bibliographic collection as they cover these spaces.

all images courtesy of bgp Arquitectura

bgp arquitectura infuses a modern character

Situated within the catalogued area of Coyoacan, the external facade of the house remains untouched, adhering to the historical significance of its location. Taking this into consideration, the team at bgp arquitectura orchestrated a redesign that began with removing select walls to open up to the patio and infusing the space with an abundance of natural light. The result is a blend of white walls, a strategic selection of luminaries, and spatial configurations that yield distinctive interior experiences.

bgp arquitectura has inserted a striking bright orange spiral staircase that ascends to the rooftop, which has been transformed into a terrace-barbecue area. From this vantage point, residents can take in panoramic views of the wooded surroundings that envelop the house. Notably, the living room features a crafted aperture in the wall to take advantage of a terrace with a glass floor. This architectural feature provides occupants with a glimpse of the colonial urban panorama of Barrio Santa Catarina.

a new glazed wing, library, and studio encircle the central patio

Ave Maria House-Studio sits in the center of Coyoacan, the oldest neighborhood in Mexico City

the original structure has been preserved, with only certain interventions for a more spacious interior

bgp Arquitectura began with removing select walls to open up to the patio and infuse the space with natural light

steel bookcases integrated into the design house an extensive bibliographic collection

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project info:

name: Ave Maria Studio-House
architecture: bgp Arquitectura
lead architects: Bernardo Gómez-pimienta, Luis Enrique Mendoza

location: Coyoacan, Mexico City

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom