cadaval and solà-morales extends mexico city suburban residences with rooftop intervention

cadaval and solà-morales extends mexico city suburban residences with rooftop intervention
photography by miguel de guzmán

the residential project ‘ReUrbano’ developed by cadaval and solà-morales is located in the colonia roma district of mexico city. the historic neighborhood has recently had a resurgence where it was once populated with abandoned and run-down buildings  and until recently has been rejuvenated as a young, up-and coming part of the vast city. due to the history and heritage of the original buildings, it is difficult to present a new build in the area. preservation of the existing characteristics was integral to the design of the nine new apartments, where the layout of each home was been dictated by the previous form this resulting in nine unique internal configurations. the architects exercised a sensitive and respectful approach to the intervention so the essence of the original building would be retained and for the modern addition to sit in harmony; allowing the past and present to coexist without compromising one another.

each apartment is entered through an outdoor corridor running at the side of each building where the courtyard that once provided entrance to the original house has been replicated at the back- therefore there are now two main cores to access the units. furthermore, the intervention sees the building being extended upwards with a succession of terraces and built volumes- rising like small towers. internally, a series of intermediate levels have been featured, each home displaying floor-to-ceiling glazing combining contemporary furnishings and unique spaces, ready to be inhabited by people and families of contrasting lifestyles. on the exterior, the old and the new is distinguishable by the materials used, the existing building is composed mainly of white brick, where as the roof volumes follow a glass and metal approach painted in black.

the project maintains almost the overall existing building

the top apartments have access to the terraced patios

the long corridor allows access to the units

intervention references the site’s original heritage while simultaneously introducing contemporary touches

each apartment is ready to be appropriated by individual and different lifestyles

the high ceilings allow for plenty of natural light

contemporary interior spaces

the project is based on a detailed analysis of each of the existing elements, looking to generate a different reality