24Y

Nivel Tres is an Architecture firm founded in Mexico City whose purpose is to serve users, society and the environment though it's designs. We are convinced that architecture is a determining factor in the mood of those who inhabit it. Therefore, we want to remember its original vocation to provide users with the harmonious spaces of comfort and well-being, not only physical, but emotional.

With this in mind, the research and design process of apartment 24Y was a creative challenge that impelled us to propose to our clients a custom space link with who they are.

The concept was to create a very warm and cozy atmosphere, it would have to be subtle and dense, simulating life in a cold and mountain area, however not forgetting that in fact the apartment is in a cosmopolitan and diverse city as it is Mexico City.

Because the apartment has windows almost in all its facade allowing views of 180º, it was very important to take them into consideration to get te best possible.

We decided to propose an open and homogeneous space. To integrate it in this way, the horizontal elements had to be clean and unique, and in this way a gray floor of homogeneous stone was proposed. The selection of this material was due not only to its color but mainly to its texture. It is a very porous stone that at the same time generates an organic and natural sensation.

At the same time, the design of the ceilings was proposed as a linear element, without much movement, functioning as a container of space and considering a color contrast between the floor tone.

Having contemplated these two elements, a mass was generated that would have to be intercepted. To do this, a study of circulation was done. This aspect was in itself a challenge, because as already mentioned, there were certain conditions that prevented to be able to freely propose the apartment rudeness. Finally, we arrived at the final solution and it was very appreciated by our clients.

We decided to integrate flat elements and volumetric masses. We proposed oak walls stained in dark tones by highlighting the pores of the wood to divide the main spaces and project the perceptible lines of interaction. These elements break the apartments volumes. We have two main volumes: the service cube where the guest bathroom is located, the pantry of the family room and the apartments main storage space. These elements are hidden due to the cutting and design of the mass.

In turn, we have the access volume to the main bedroom, which is also hidden and therefore deprives it of access for greater perceptual comfort. Both elements are proposed of natural walnut to unify the rest of the materials of the house, mainly the floor stone with plasterboard ceiling.

Upon entering the apartment, we find a visual finish of calacatta marble that seems to be suspended from the floor. This is a determining element in the circulation and therefore in the perception of the space.

By inhabiting the living room and dining room, we feel an open space, yet content, which invites to enjoy the company of friends and loved ones, enjoying the beautiful views of the mountains of the city.
Bending the main entrance, we can walk to reach the main bedroom. Due to the dimensions of this space, it was decided to propose a space that would simulate a hotel suite, where different activities could be performed.

This room, rather than serving for sleeping, also has the vocation to enjoy breakfasts or private dinners, in turn that allows the clients to have a moment of reading or simply to contemplate the views of the city. Remember that the apartment is on the highest floors of the building.

Therefore, all these aspects should be included for greater comfort of the users. The double access doors, both to the bathroom and to the bedroom, amplify and give elegance to the space. Being elements contrasting each other, both in texture and color, allow the visual between mass and plane that is enhanced around the house.

The wooden floor was selected in a light tone with the intention of changing perception between public and private spaces. In turn, a material was chosen heterogeneous enough to include a bit of dynamism and change of atmosphere in space. However, all the materials always seek the appropriate harmony and proportion between each other in every space.

When you access the main bathroom, you will see a greyish green material that generates a very warm and natural environment that harmonizes the atmosphere and gives the feeling of relaxation and well-being. This space should be a kind of spiritual sanctuary, since its main function is restorative. This goal was achieved due to the position of the shower, toilet and sinks inside the space.

At the same time, integration with the main dressing room was of vital importance and therefore sliding doors were proposed which are hidden when opened and allow light to bathe this space. The design of the carpentry was due to the needs of the clients, creating a space of storage custom for them.

The family room was a challenge in itself. Due to the conditions of the services, the accesses and the facades, the best space to locate it was to the center of the department, but this would imply not having access to natural light. Trying to propose it in the best viable way, we decided to integrate the main façade into this space, thus bringing a long wall in matt white wood, which is divided by vertical elements of black aluminum.

This element is like a projection of the main facade simulating a large window that sees to the mountains in a day of much fog. In this way, a melancholic feeling would be generated in a certain way, however, in combination with the rest of the space, the perception would become harmonious and warmth. For that reason, the wooden ceiling was integrated in the same material that the floor of the bedrooms.

The secondary bedrooms were finished with their respective finishes without any element or decorative tone because they were not going to be used at the time.

Finally, for the kitchen a "C" was proposed with an island in the center, which complied with the standards of quality and harmony that a kitchen should meet.

Having concluded this project and seeing the reaction of our customers we feel a great satisfaction, since as already mentioned, for Nivel Tres the most important thing is to be able to offer our clients an architectural space that is at their service, providing them shelter and refuge, but above all well-being and comfort, physical, but most importantly, emotional.

We want our clients to feel a sense of harmony, relaxation and restoration to the questions of life.