Outside, It’s a Foreboding Fortress. But Inside Hides Luminous Living Spaces

The Mexico City home’s concrete facade says “keep out” while large windows at the back invite the outdoors in.

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Project Details:

Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Architect: Taller Hector Barroso / @tallerhectorbarroso

Builder: Jorge Torrentera

Structural Engineer: DECSA | Ricardo Camacho

Landscape Design: Hugo Sánchez Paisaje

Photographer: César Béjar / @cesarbejarstudio

From the Architect: "A house over 30 years old and several previous refurbishments were the starting point for developing this project, which is reconfigured once again to adapt to the lifestyle of the new owners.

"Toward the street, on the façade, small openings were made to give a glimpse of the exterior while providing intimacy. Inside, everything is different. The house gradually surrenders to its surroundings through a series of openings that allow the natural light into the dwelling. The exterior completely envelops the program as it extends into its garden, and the large windows blur the boundaries between spaces.

"The use of brown—almost black—on the exterior, with gray concrete and wood on the interiors, accentuates the contrasts of light and shadow as the day wears on."

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