finding inspiration

Tour of CASA PEDREGAL, by Luis Barragán

Every time I go to Mexico City, I try to visit one of the architectural landmarks on my list, and two weeks ago I was able to snag a ticket to tour Casa Pedregal.

This post is going to be mostly photos, but I think it’s important to mention how well this building is being preserved while the current owner actually lives in it. There are some points within the building where they have carved out a square in the wall to see the existing finish and then tried to replicate it.

This house has a more muted color palette than other famous Barragán houses, but still uses paint and tone to accentuate dark and light areas. Casa Pedregal (built between 1947-50) is located in an area affected by the Xitle volcano, so the house was built ontop of and around lava fields. The volcanic rock is visible throughout the house, sometimes showing itself through walls, naturally, and then in the floor finish.

I was fascinated by the wood and leather furniture throughout the house. It was all made by Clara Porset, a Cuban designer who worked with Barragán. I had never heard of her, but when I got home I read a little bit about her. She was originally from Cuba, studied in Europe and then made her home in Mexico. “She experimented with different shapes, sizes, and materials to create furniture designs that would blend European modernism and Mexican heritage. She removed ornate details to achieve modern simplicity.”- quote from Midcentury Modern Finds, that I loved and didn’t think needed rewriting. Her story was quite expansive for me; I too am creating a home here in Mexico from Canada, and finding so much inspiration in the traditional ways of making and the materials used. I feel like this was a ping from the universe telling me that I am on the right path.

The house is sectioned into one expansive public wing and a lower, more private wing. The use of wood, volcanic rock, and views out into the garden continues throughout each space, they just get a little more cozy and intimate.

I appreciate how thoughtful and personal this house feels, and how it is so livable in today’s world, having withstood 75 years (minus today’s price per square meter)… but it was designed with function and comfort in mind, not with the plan to re-create modern architecture or to get a million views. This way of design is special. And I aspire to approach my work in this way.

I hope you enjoyed this mini tour, and if you are in Mexico City, I recommend checking it out in person and visiting the attached restaurant, Tetetlan.

- C