Restoring a home that has been in existence and has been loved and lived in for a century, is nothing short of a tightrope act. It is not easy to respect the past and remodel a building for the future. The Mexico-based multidisciplinary studio Andrés & José walked this tightrope perfectly, with the Coordenada House in Mérida, Mexico.

The restoration of the Coordenada House, originally built in the 1920s, is a testament to the careful balance of introduction of contemporary elements and preservation and perseverance of historical character. Finding a delicate equilibrium between creating a modern home and honouring the building's historical significance can be particularly challenging. The Mexican architects not only embraced this challenge but were determined to create spaces that were functional and relevant in a contemporary context while remaining respectful of the original structure. This involved a thoughtful approach to seamlessly integrate traditional and new design elements.

“One of the main issues we faced was the need to balance the preservation of the building's historical character with the introduction of contemporary elements. It was important for us to respect the original architecture while creating a space that met the needs and expectations of modern occupants. This required a thoughtful approach in blending the old and the new, finding harmony between tradition and innovation,” shared Andrés Sáenz of Andrés & José.

The restoration of the home is comparable to an archaeological excavation of a modern ruin. The architects carefully considered the architectural context of the house in the García Ginerés neighbourhood of downtown Mérida. The neighbourhood is dotted with homes that emphasise the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, often incorporating courtyards, patios, and gardens into the design. They largely feature flat roofs and arched openings, and in some way or the other, showcase the history of Merida over the years.

Keeping its historical context in mind the architects conducted a thorough exam of the spatial configuration of the original structure and its subsequent additions. This led to a careful and selective demolition of certain parts of the home to reveal the original facades, thus creating a series of flexible domestic spaces.

The architects cleverly activate these spaces by treating the garden as the primary element that surrounds the home to create a connection between the exterior and interior spaces. As a consequence, the interior spaces are bathed in filtered natural light and offer a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden itself boasts lush greenery combined with a water body and an outdoor seating area. It envelopes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen.

The home embraces a monochromatic colour palette of shades of terracotta. The hand-painted lime is a deliberate selection that brings together new and pre-existing walls for visual uniformity. The colour palette also helps further root the house in its historical context. The existing pasta floor, a traditional flooring typology, is preserved and combined with polished concrete floors that bear the same muted hues as the rest of the home, resulting in complete aesthetic harmony.

Furnishings throughout the home are minimal and maintain the aesthetic sensibilities of the structure. Continued use of wood in the house maintains the colour palette as well. The monotony of this terracotta hue is broken with the strategic use of coloured glass windows that offer a spot of joyful colour in selective spaces. Outside, the muted terracotta tone is contrasted by the dense and vibrant greenery of the garden.

“The design process was a collaborative effort that involved meticulous planning, close attention to detail, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of the building. By embracing both the challenges and opportunities presented, we were able to create a space that respects the past while embracing the present," elaborated Andrés Sáenz.

The considered material palette and colour choices blur the line between the historical sections and the contemporary additions of the home. The restoration of the Coordena House exemplifies what meticulous planning and attention to detail can achieve. The home exhibits a true balance between historical relevance and contemporary living and establishes a connection between the people, the spaces, and the cities they inhabit. It recognises and even celebrates the need for honouring and refurbishing old structures to create a more sustainable building industry without compromising on the comforts of modern living.

Project Details

Name: Coordenada House
Location: Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Year of completion: 2022
Design Firm: Andrés& José