An oasis of nature and serenity in Mexico City: Casa Verne, amidst slits of light and hanging gardens
An oasis of nature and serenity in Mexico City: Casa Verne, amidst slits of light and hanging gardens

An oasis of nature and serenity in Mexico City: Casa Verne, amidst slits of light and hanging gardens

A 1930s terraced house, in a courtyard in the center of the metropolis, becomes a new family home with lush hanging gardens and generous living spaces illuminated by "slits" that break up the previous compactness of the volume

Zeller & Moye designed new patios and skylights for Casa Verne that cut through the unity of the structure to maximize light into the originally dimly lit lower levels. The home is given an extra floor and the roof becomes a large white concrete overhang that shields the fully glazed lower level from too much light

An oasis of nature and serenity in Mexico City: Casa Verne, amidst slits of light and hanging gardens

The new interiors are designed with a minimalist style to enhance the green roof garden. Full-height sliding glass doors open onto the garden creating the impression of being in a secluded oasis in the bustling city center

An oasis of nature and serenity in Mexico City: Casa Verne, amidst slits of light and hanging gardens

The three levels of the house are characterized by a purposefully well-defined character: on the ground floor, the most functional service area; on the upper level, the spaces dedicated to family life and common areas; on the level of the rooftop garden, the private spaces where everyone can enjoy their privacy

An oasis of nature and serenity in Mexico City: Casa Verne, amidst slits of light and hanging gardens

All new parts of the building are made of white marble concrete to achieve a fresh and contemporary environment.
In addition to the new roof, the entire flooring is made of marble pebbles as a reference to the lost river beds of Mexico City and the lakes that formed the landscape before the city was founded

An oasis of nature and serenity in Mexico City: Casa Verne, amidst slits of light and hanging gardens

Gallery