Ozuluama

Vienna Meets Mexico City

The nostalgic grandeur of Mexico City’s heart, the Condesa neighborhood, is palpable. Built nearly a century ago on the grounds of a former racetrack, it stands as one of the world’s most extensive Art Deco districts and is considered one of the architectural gems of Mexico City. When we encountered a property constructed in 1932, the decision to infuse new life into this historic building with a contemporary touch was clear.

Initially, the local building authorities were surprised by the Viennese approach to planning, which involved blending old and new concepts. However, they were soon convinced. With the successful completion of the building and the addition of a penthouse, this intelligent renovation has become a model for future construction projects in the district.

Origami Experiment

Two terraces and a rooftop viewing platform have been ingeniously designed, drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of paper folding, known as origami. The use of local materials was both thoughtful and deliberate, incorporating pearl-grey Corian panels and dark gray Santo Tomas marble for the flooring—materials commonly found in many of Mexico City’s churches and subway stations. The end result is a confident and contemporary structure that appears to gracefully float above the densely tree-lined neighborhood. The building is naturally ventilated through openings at the highest point of its “winged” roof, while expansive windows flood the interior spaces with light and the vibrant atmosphere of this exciting quarter in Mexico City.