Tanat architects design an abode which encourages the contemplative minstrel to read,write and create the next blockbuster.
The Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City has been home numerous artists and intellectuals. It is where Frida Kahlo lived, as well as many other artists and intellectuals such as León Trotsky in the 20th century. So when a movie director decided to design his isle of calm and creativity, there was no looking further. Christened as Nostos this project was commissioned to TANAT Architects.
The interior accessories were designed on site by Tanat and it included concrete benches, shelves, wooden closets and tables
“When the client approached us he was clear about what he wanted, he needed a calm space to reflect on his creative endeavors. A space where he can read, write and watch movies.” says Diego Rivero Borrell, Principal Architect, TANAT Architects.
The structure of the project allows the abudance of natural light to flirt with it
Though the project is limited to 100 sq.m it took a year to complete it. One of the core challenges was to adapt the old structure which existed, to the defined design brief. And imparting in it the creative improvisation which resulted as a part of this process. Space was also a limitation in this project. So it was essential for the architects to tackle this fundamental issue. “Given the 100 sqm for the house, we wanted to make it feel as big as possible,” says Diego “We proposed a synchronized arrangement where the kitchen, the living room and the patio are connected to each other.
The project was meant for a movie directorwho wanted a space to read,write and watch movies
The main hall can be used as an enclosed space for watching movies and it also opens up to the patio and the balcony. The stone floor in the outdoor patio continues inside and tends to blur the fine line between indoor and the outdoors.” The structure of the project allows the abundance of natural light to flirt with it. “Both natural light and artificial light are fundamental to the project. During the day, the drama of natural light is evident as it enters the spaces and touches upon everything it can lay its hands on. At night artificial lighting takes over and creates the right kind of ambiance desired by a mind in contemplation.” adds Diego.
At night artificial lighting takes over and creates the right kind of ambience desired by a mind in contemplation
Nostos emanates a raw appeal and to get it right the architects got the right mix of materials. The main flooring of the apartment utilizes a volcanic stone called “recinto”. For the walls and the ceiling, a gray cement finishing, was applied in a rustic way to highlight the stains and different shades of gray.
The project is based in Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City which has been home numerous artists and intellectuals
Giving an insight on the colour palate and interior accessories which brings Nostos to life Diego says “There are three main palettes that play crucial roles in the spaces. We drew inspirations from Luis Barragán’s houses, as well as the works of Mexican functionalist architect, Juan O’Gorman. The main canvas of the project is the volcanic stoned floor and the gray cement finishing that are used for the walls and the ceiling.
In executing this project Team Tanat has depicted its mastery in creating an aura which is functional yet artsy.
The second components are the wooden doors, blue-painted steel windows, and railings. Lastly, we designed three different Oaxacan rugs; one blue, one yellow, and one red. These Mexican rugs complete the space through its abstract and strong composition.” The interior accessories were designed on site by Tanat and it also included concrete benches, shelves, wooden closets and tables.
In executing this project Team Tanat has depicted its mastery in creating an aura which is functional yet artsy. The change of light throughout the day transforms the spaces and amplifies the duality between light and shadow and exerts an influence on the interiors and the exteriors.
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