studio91 applies exposed concrete and steel to form the malaquita rooftop in mexico city

forming the terrace of the city center hotel, the ‘malaquita rooftop’ has been designed by studio91 in the heart of mexico city‘s centro histórico. envisioned as an idyllic getaway from the hectic urban landscape below, the project offers spaces to relax and unwind. comprising of a restaurant, bar, pool and lounge area, the design employs a modest approach that focuses on materiality – resulting in a calm and spacious place for guests to enjoy.

all images © xaviera del valle

the most striking architectural feature of the rooftop is the series of columns which are tilted towards different directions. as the support for the concrete slab above, the columns help to cover the restaurant and bar from rain. this element is purely functional yet also provides an identity to the space and helps to subtly separate zones. the pool and lounge area remain uncovered, making the most of sunny days and views over the city’s skyline.

the design of the terrace by studio91 is dominated by the palette of exposed materials: concrete, steel, and glass. this unrefined aesthetic has been chosen in an effort to resemble the local context of functionalist structures which lack any ornamentation – as seen in buildings from the eighties. the malaquita rooftop is completed with the careful selection of furniture. perimeter benches and concrete bars have been made in situ, perfectly complementing the roof structure. and finally, furniture by taller nacional made from reused pine wood and leather in camel hues, cacti, agave, and the sculptural marble pool, make up the urban oasis.

project info:

project name: ‘malaquita rooftop’

project location: centro histórico, mexico city, mexico

design: studio91 (jaime bucay)

area: 5490 ft2 (510 m2)

year: 2018

photography: xaviera del valle

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom