workshop architects integrates contemporary elements into colonial mexican house

in the mexican city of merida, ‘casa canela’ by workshop architects generates a residential oasis in the middle of the urban fabric. intending to respect and honor the historic values of the pre-existing colonial architecture in a pure manner, the design combines integrates contemporary details to ensure a comfortable lifestyle for the occupants. 

pool and casita
all images courtesy of workshop architects

in workshop architects‘ ‘casa canela’, upon entering through a set of green doors, a spectacular sculpture by javier marin welcomes the residents. located right in the middle of the room, under a simple hanging lamp and the original green beams, surrounded by the stone walls and antique white pasta tiles.

entrance

following to the kitchen, one can observe the old green frames around the doors and a painting by isabel garfias. in the middle, over a modest table of tzalam wood, three claywood lamps hang. the cabinets replicate the shades of green of the original woodwork. over the pasta tile backsplash, different ornaments and kitchen utensils share the space with two pieces by fernando andriacci.

kitchen

two glass doors lead to the covered terrace, which holds the dining area and a pedro friedeberg piece. a half-point arch frames the middle garden, which is surrounded by lush vegetation and tall walls of different rock textures. a small pool is located in the middle of the space.

view of the arched terrace

adopting a more contemporary style, the bedroom downstairs has a headboard made with traditional pasta tile and big sliding windows facing the gardens. another friedeberg piece by galeria urbana is hung over the bed. the upper floor bedroom showcases the same layout as the one below, but with a front terrace. the outdoor staircase takes its shape according to traditional local typology.

terrace

terrace with friedeberg art piece

kitchen

view of the back casita

back view of the main house

street facade

project info:

name: casa canela 
architecture office: workshop architects
location: merida, yucatan, mexico

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edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom