EDGAR ALLAN POE VOID STUDIO
Void Studio: Arq. Fernanda Rodríguez, Arq. Joel Martínez
An open refuge above the city's movement
On a penthouse located in Polanco, Ciudad de México, four levels above the ground, with views that integrate treetops, emblematic buildings, and pieces of sky, the objective was to create a residential space - literally and metaphorically - intimate. To achieve this, Void Studio developed an interior design project that, on the one hand, opened the interior space of the apartment to its terraces and, on the other hand, maintained the essential calm and privacy when returning home.
Although the apartment has almost the same exterior area as interior - 110 and 150 m2 respectively - its ceilings are low and the segmentation of spaces could feel boxed in; therefore, the studio undertook two lines of work. At the architectural level, it modified the original developer's approach, requesting the full opening of the kitchen towards the dining room and changed the selection of materials to better suit the taste of the owners and the interior design proposal. Then, it sought to increase the perception of spaciousness by generating subtle transitions between spaces with a meticulous distribution of low furniture that did not cut off the view of the treetops and the surrounding landscape.
Between the main entrance and the social areas, a bookcase was installed that suggests a wall and marks a vestibule but does not close it completely. Thus, the arrival implies a pause, an obligatory step, before discovering what happens inside. On the floor, European oak parquet, also applied to the wall and ceiling, an organic and mineral language was established to break the monotony without unbalancing the space. Marble tables, linen textiles and wool rugs, as well as raw ceramics in the accessories, created a serene and elegant style in accordance with the taste of its inhabitants. The accent is provided by the black lines that are marked with the railings, the neck of the floor lamp and some details of the furniture.
Facing west, during the day the apartment is warm and well-lit, so all that was necessary was to allow the sun to pass through. For the night, the play of indirect lights and natural textures are what create the soft and welcoming atmosphere. Both the living room armchairs and the dining room are Casa Quieta designs that were adapted to the specific characteristics of this project. The measurements and shapes were thought of in order to continue the extension outwards and respect the proportions of the spaces. The light and neutral colors come together in a sophisticated combination that ends up taking character around two works of art: a painting by Luuna Wabi and another by Valeria Vázquez.
The kitchen, open to the dining room, stands out with the greyish white of the Venetian marble on the walls. Its fixed furniture was solved in mdf with paint in a closed color and the lighting was integrated under the upper furniture. Elements such as the paneled refrigerator or the smoke-colored glass doors, allow an area that is especially functional not to clash with the social areas of the apartment. In the same way, the central bar, with the vaporous veins of the marble, takes on a discreet and elegant presence without ceasing to meet the basic needs of the breakfast bar.
The bedrooms preserve the palette of neutral and natural materials: maple, white oak and oak wood, linens and wools; and it is here where the style of serenity reaches its most intimate version, in an atmosphere of calm and comfort. As in the social area, these receive sunlight during the day and draw a luminous scene at night, which keeps them warm and welcoming at any time.
In the master bedroom, a pair of Hilla Small lamps by Blue Dot shine on the nightstands. The textile headboard communicates with the reading chair, the bedding and the concert of cushions. On the terrace, a sculptural travertine marble table awaits in front of an armchair perfect for resting above the incessant movement of the city.
The master bathroom was another of the points that was most modified compared to the original approach of the developer. The dark marble was changed for large slabs of extra-thin ceramic in white tones and the fixed furniture was produced in light woods. Leaving the splendor for the most private space, the faucets - from the Lignage Oro line by Porcelanosa - were chosen in gold and, at the request of the owners, a Villeroy & Bosch bathtub was installed in the center of the space.
The living room was designed to accommodate moments of tasks and work without becoming an office, a study that would not lose the clean and careful style of the rest of the house. Thus, through a fixed bookcase, a folding projection screen, an armchair and a double desk, a versatile.
