Collection by Emmanuel Quartey
“I wanted to go upstairs to a place that was completely clean, serene, and quiet,” says Paula of the library, for which the architects created an open steel bookcase.
“I wanted to go upstairs to a place that was completely clean, serene, and quiet,” says Paula of the library, for which the architects created an open steel bookcase.
A large deck off of the principal suite provides a space to relax overlooking the pool.
A large deck off of the principal suite provides a space to relax overlooking the pool.
The open plan is visually broken up by the use of shoji screens and beams.
The open plan is visually broken up by the use of shoji screens and beams.
At 55 Monterrey, historic details like the bay window seen here are rolled into a space that feels very modern.
At 55 Monterrey, historic details like the bay window seen here are rolled into a space that feels very modern.
When Pablo Pérez Palacios’ Mexico City–based architecture firm PPAA was tasked with building an apartment tower to meet La Colonia Roma's need for additional housing, he faced a problem familiar to developers in historic neighborhoods everywhere. The site was occupied by a dilapidated home that dates to 1925, and local laws required that the facade and part of the structure be maintained. PPAA’s innovative approach was to cut the original three-story home in half, preserving enough of the building to front the street and hold two apartments replete with classic Victorian details like high ceilings and restored millwork. In the back of the lot, they designed a sleek eight-story apartment tower that would hold an additional nine apartments, for a total of 11 units. Not bad for a site that was previously an uninhabited single-family house.
When Pablo Pérez Palacios’ Mexico City–based architecture firm PPAA was tasked with building an apartment tower to meet La Colonia Roma's need for additional housing, he faced a problem familiar to developers in historic neighborhoods everywhere. The site was occupied by a dilapidated home that dates to 1925, and local laws required that the facade and part of the structure be maintained. PPAA’s innovative approach was to cut the original three-story home in half, preserving enough of the building to front the street and hold two apartments replete with classic Victorian details like high ceilings and restored millwork. In the back of the lot, they designed a sleek eight-story apartment tower that would hold an additional nine apartments, for a total of 11 units. Not bad for a site that was previously an uninhabited single-family house.
A pair of Molded Plywood lounge chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller sit opposite a BoConcept coffee table and a sofa of Paul’s design. For his father’s book collection, Paul created a library around the double-height staircase.
A pair of Molded Plywood lounge chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller sit opposite a BoConcept coffee table and a sofa of Paul’s design. For his father’s book collection, Paul created a library around the double-height staircase.
Now, the kitchen sits at the front of the building, and the counter runs beneath the preserved windows. Built-in shelves frame the view.
Now, the kitchen sits at the front of the building, and the counter runs beneath the preserved windows. Built-in shelves frame the view.
Tsai Design relocated the bedroom. In its place are the main living areas, including the dining room seen here. A built-in bench tucks neatly beneath the interior window.
Tsai Design relocated the bedroom. In its place are the main living areas, including the dining room seen here. A built-in bench tucks neatly beneath the interior window.
Photo: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photo: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photo: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Photo: Willem-Dirk du Toit
With its holistic approach, the firm custom designs furnishings to match
With its holistic approach, the firm custom designs furnishings to match
Architectural elements like coffered ceilings and columns were added to the dining room to give the space the charm and character that is usually associated with older homes.
Architectural elements like coffered ceilings and columns were added to the dining room to give the space the charm and character that is usually associated with older homes.
Danielle and Ely turned what was originally a storage area and mudroom on the first floor into a fourth bedroom to accommodate larger groups of guests. Unlike the rest of the home, the flooring here was run-down slate tile, which they swapped for custom, hand-painted Fireclay tile. It was a pricey part of the renovation, but the graphic results pay off.
Danielle and Ely turned what was originally a storage area and mudroom on the first floor into a fourth bedroom to accommodate larger groups of guests. Unlike the rest of the home, the flooring here was run-down slate tile, which they swapped for custom, hand-painted Fireclay tile. It was a pricey part of the renovation, but the graphic results pay off.
Earth tones, dried plants, and a brass bed frame create a harmonious mix in one of the two upstairs bedrooms. Aiming for maximum comfort and style, Danielle and Ely brought in West Elm furniture, lighting fixtures from Hudson Valley Lighting Appliances, Parachute linens, Marshall speakers, Fireclay tile, and Tuft & Needle mattresses to furnish The Barnhouse.
Earth tones, dried plants, and a brass bed frame create a harmonious mix in one of the two upstairs bedrooms. Aiming for maximum comfort and style, Danielle and Ely brought in West Elm furniture, lighting fixtures from Hudson Valley Lighting Appliances, Parachute linens, Marshall speakers, Fireclay tile, and Tuft & Needle mattresses to furnish The Barnhouse.
After passing through Tartago's ancient village, visitors approach The Hermitage by walking down slope. Access to the front door is via a hovering footbridge.
After passing through Tartago's ancient village, visitors approach The Hermitage by walking down slope. Access to the front door is via a hovering footbridge.
Jack and Alice feel lucky to rely on natural light during the day, augmenting as necessary for photo shoots. In the evenings they enjoy the soft glow of their Akari lanterns.
Jack and Alice feel lucky to rely on natural light during the day, augmenting as necessary for photo shoots. In the evenings they enjoy the soft glow of their Akari lanterns.
The pond off of the living room was designed by Sarah’s landscape studio and installed by Active Landscapes and Ponds.
The pond off of the living room was designed by Sarah’s landscape studio and installed by Active Landscapes and Ponds.

5 more saves