Taller ADG has designed a superb modernist house in Mexico, with a play of volumes inspired by the work of iconic architect Luis Barragán.
The Stone House (Casa de Piedra), nestled on a hill, offers a panoramic view of Monterrey. The volume of the spaces, the geometry and overlapping of the walls, the reflections and sounds of the water make up this single-storey modernist house with its walnut roof. It is the work of Mexico City-based architecture firm Taller ADG, who collaborated with interior designer Micaela de Bernardí. Together, they drew inspiration from the work of Luis Barragán through a synthesis of space, light and materials, with wooden ceilings that pay homage to Mexico's vernacular traditions. At the center of the residence is a large courtyard, with a fountain, magnolias and a sculpture by Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei, creating a subtle environment conducive to contemplation. The fluctuating climate of the region is also reflected in the choice of materials: the light, cool travertine contrasts with the warmth of the wood.
Set of lines
The design team maintained a bright, uniform color palette in a tone similar to that of the marble and the architecture. Skylights were installed to maintain natural, zenithal light. Inside, circulation remains fluid, thanks to concealed sliding doors and furniture placed along the axes. Entrance is via a naturally lit hall that leads successively to a living room, dining room, bar and terrace equipped with a grill for evenings al fresco. The house also features an intimate meeting room that opens onto a patio, then onto a garden with views of the Mexican city. Nearby is the kitchen and the entire private area, which includes a family room connected to the master bedroom by an inner courtyard, two further bedrooms, a gym and an office. Art flourishes at the heart of the home, with works by Rufino Tamayo, Anish Kapoor, Anselm Kiefer and Giuseppe Penone. As for the furniture, it's a mix of antiques and pieces by 20th-century (Hans J. Wegner, Warren Platner) and contemporary designers (Vincenzo de Cotiis, Lindsey Adelman). In this way, Stone House celebrates emotional architecture in light, fusing it with the minimalist aspect of the modern movement.
