Located in the historic neighborhood of Condesa, Casa Cielo is a gorgeous antique home dating back to the 1930s. The Mexico City-based architecture studio Estudio Estudio took on the challenge of revamping its interior, aiming to restore its original allure while making it more functional for modern living. Their primary focus? Uncovering the architectural gems hidden beneath layers of alterations, meticulously bringing them back to their former glory to showcase the essence of that era.
Their architectural intervention was all about preserving the house's original character. Today, the interiors blend the house's inherent style with modern elements, mainly using wood and stucco, along with sleek details and practical comforts that seamlessly blend past and present.
The ground level of the 3 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home is a meticulously designed space that caters to everyday life. It features a private garage, beautiful entrance foyer complete with a half bathroom, and a central living area. Drawing inspiration from an original kitchen door, the expanded arch design creates a fluid and cohesive flow throughout this floor. The transitions between spaces are carefully balanced, capturing the attention of both residents and guests. Expert modifications to the rear facade, along with strategic skylights, flood the interiors with natural light, creating a captivating play of light and shadows. The collaboration with lighting expert Luca Salas ensured that the custom lighting would not only enhances the ambiance but also serves practical purposes.
Concrete tiles evoke the essence of the original era in the kitchen, while luxurious wooden parquet flooring adorns most spaces, elevating the standard yet sumptuous feel. Ascending to the second level, three bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom, offer comfort. A family room complements these peaceful zones of the residence, and a staircase leads to the rooftop terrace, seamlessly merging the rear facade into a singular surface that offers glimpses of the interior.
A carefully crafted wooden structure occupies the third level, housing an expansive studio space alongside a bathroom. The studio space extends to a charming rooftop terrace with expansive views and a serene onsen. The terrace is shaded by the tree canopy , while a modular terracotta floor supports the surrounding foliage.
Beyond its role as a gathering space, the rooftop terrace serves as a rainwater collector, channeling water throughout the house to a dedicated tank and a filtering system beneath the backyard. The building implements various simple yet sustainable techniques, including cross ventilation and the strategic harnessing of natural light through skylights and generously sized wall openings.
Bedroom layout:
- Bedroom 1: King Bed + Bathroom
- Bedroom 2: King Bed + Bathroom
- Bedroom 3: 2 Single Beds + Bathroom
