marc pascal brings a desert-like vibe to rooftop terrace in mexico

Architect Fernanda Canales undertook the challenge of creating a self-sufficient vacation home for her family on a remote plateau in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, known for its exceptional landscapes and temperamental weather. The project, named Casa Terreno, aimed to blend with the wild surroundings while offering refuge from significant temperature variations and heavy rainfall. Canales focused on passive house principles, utilizing materials with high thermal mass like brick and concrete to ensure resilience and energy efficiency. Casa Terreno, a single-story residence spanning almost 6,500 square feet, is meticulously designed around four courtyards to maximize landscape views and solar exposure from various directions. The first courtyard, with its curved shape, acts as an entry point leading into a brick, sky-lit chamber featuring a dramatic vaulted ceiling. This chamber connects to the central, largest courtyard, which in turn provides access to the east-facing bedroom wing and the southern living areas. A third courtyard on the south side offers rooftop access, while the smallest courtyard is designated for the service area. These courtyards are instrumental in creating distinct atmospheres, framing specific exterior views, and facilitating cross-ventilation and natural sunlight throughout the day. To introduce architectural diversity and additional height within the interior, certain sections of the home are topped with terra cotta-tiled barrel vaults. These vaults not only contribute to the aesthetic but also interact with the vegetation on the flat green roofs above the kitchen and service areas, creating a unique topography. The design incorporates varied sequences and openings, including lattices for privacy, large windows that can fully retract into walls to convert interior spaces into open terraces, and strategically placed windows that frame particular views. This ensures that every room benefits from direct sunlight from at least two directions. The home's energy demands are minimized through reliance on natural lighting, cross-ventilation, and wood-burning fireplaces, eliminating the need for mechanical heating or cooling systems. Solar energy powers electricity and hot water. The barrel roofs are engineered to funnel rainwater into a substantial 26,000-gallon underground cistern, and all sewage is treated on-site. The use of locally sourced brick, with broken bricks exposing their rough sides for textured wall surfaces, reinforces the connection to the region. Canales particularly appreciates that the single-level design of Casa Terreno allows it to seamlessly integrate into the landscape, almost disappearing into its natural environment. The project showcases a harmonious blend of architectural innovation, sustainable practices, and a deep respect for the surrounding wilderness. #OffGridLiving #SustainableArchitecture #MexicanArchitecture #PassiveHouseDesign #BarrelVaultCeilings #CourtyardHome #EcoFriendlyHome #RemoteRetreat #FernandaCanalesArquitectura

Estudio MMX designed CBC House in Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico City, to integrate a substantial garden into a 1,000-square-meter plot that also needed to accommodate a full-sized house. The clients' request for a 1,000-square-meter garden on a lot of the same size presented a challenge, which the architects resolved by conceptualizing the garden as a three-dimensional, interconnected system of open spaces that seamlessly weaves throughout the residence. This approach allowed for the creation of a vast garden experience without sacrificing the living space requirements. The architectural solution manifested as an L-shaped structure positioned on a corner of the property. Above the home's public areas, two large platforms were constructed to support expansive, planted terraces. This terraced layout serves a dual purpose: it visually and physically connects the upper levels of the house to the surrounding garden and introduces a softer, organic element that contrasts with the building's robust concrete aesthetic. Diego Ricalde, one of the partners at Estudio MMX, articulated this strategy, emphasizing the garden as a unifying element. The design thoughtfully segregates the garden into distinct zones, enabling both active entertaining spaces and quiet, plant-filled retreats. By strategically placing heavier shrubs, bushes, and flowering plants on the second-floor terraces and along the property's perimeter, the architects created a spacious outdoor living area at the center of the property, furnished with contemporary outdoor pieces. This ensures that the primary ground-level garden remains open and conducive to gatherings, while lush greenery is still abundant throughout the property. The house itself is constructed from a distinctive yellow-tinted concrete, which gives the geometric form a warm and inviting appearance, despite its material robustness. Estudio MMX favors poured concrete for its ability to honestly express structural integrity and geometry without the need for additional surface finishes. This material choice, combined with extensive glass curtain walls and large windows, contributes to an airy interior. The design facilitates a continuous connection with the outdoors, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Inside, the residence offers a dynamic spatial experience. Large windows frame distant city views and intimate glimpses of the immediate verdant surroundings. The design intentionally incorporates variations in scale, height, and light, allowing occupants to experience a changing environment as they move through the home and its site. The garden remains a constant presence, reinforcing a lifestyle centered around outdoor living. Glass curtain walls on the first floor merge the interior living room with its outdoor counterpart, while bedrooms on upper levels provide framed views of the elevated gardens. Estudio MMX, founded in 2010 by Jorge Arvizu, Ignacio del Río, Emmanuel Ramírez, and Diego Ricalde, specializes in designs that integrate architecture with nature. The CBC House project exemplifies their philosophy of creating spaces that allow inhabitants to fully engage with their environment. The project involved collaboration with Ángel Olavarrieta for construction, Alejandro Flores for structural engineering, Entorno Taller de Paisaje for landscape design, Luz en Arquitectura for lighting design, and Adriana Olmedo/Taller de Arquitectura de Interiores for interior design, with cabinetry designed by Estudio MMX. #MexicoCityArchitecture #TerracedGardens #ConcreteHomes #IndoorOutdoorLiving #EstudioMMX #LomasDeChapultepec #ModernDesign #LandscapeIntegration

This article explores over 20 luxury rooftop and patio designs, offering inspiration for enhancing outdoor spaces for summer entertaining. With summer approaching, the focus is on creating versatile and inviting al fresco environments, whether for barbecues, day parties, or sunbathing. The designs featured are sourced from Dering Hall, showcasing a variety of styles and functionalities to transform any rooftop or patio into a luxurious outdoor haven. The featured designs include a Gold Coast private rooftop deck that evokes a modern picnic style, complete with a stone-and-wood dining table and city views, designed by Inspired Interiors. Another example is a covered terrace in San Francisco, drawing inspiration from mid-century modern aesthetics with period-appropriate chairs and a patterned rug, a creation of Deniece Duscheone Inc. The article also presents a tropical-inspired design by James Duncan, Inc., featuring ocean blue floors and palm leaf pillows that blend harmoniously with a verdant backdrop. For those seeking seaside ambiance, a Miami rooftop terrace by Magdalena Keck Interior Design offers bar stools positioned for dining with a view. The importance of lighting for transitioning from day to night is highlighted with a design by De-Spec, which incorporates simple string lights to create a cozy atmosphere. Lush greenery is central to a design by bba ARCHITECTS, transforming a terrace into a relaxing urban oasis with a spacious couch and built-in fire pit. Further examples include a fully-loaded roof deck by Slifer Designs, equipped with a stainless steel BBQ and a plunge pool for grand summer parties. Kara Mann Design introduces a personal park concept with a grass lawn for lounging and games. Morgante-Wilson’s design showcases a sophisticated fireplace, adding an elegant touch to a minimalist rooftop. Mediterranean elegance is achieved by Mark Scott Associates, emphasizing diverse seating options for prolonged festivities. Carden Cunietti demonstrates effective space utilization by sectioning a roof with tall bushes to separate dining and lounge areas. Burns + Beyerl Architects present a low-set rooftop with natural shade, ideal for day-long gatherings. Daniella Villamil Interiors channels local geography through organic fabrics and decor in a desert-serene setting. Fairfax & Sammons offer a long, lean terrace design for enjoying sweeping views. Ginger Barber Design provides a practical indoor-outdoor setup for respite from the heat. Kristin Paton Interiors advise on using umbrellas for sun protection on decks. Magdalena Keck Interior Design again features with a sleek, modern, all-white seating arrangement. LKID focuses on comfort with long loungers for leisurely days. Mariani Landscape emphasizes a large dining table for urban views, perfect for sunset dinner parties. Lastly, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio adds a rustic touch with white-washed wood railings and a cozy patterned couch, completing a comprehensive guide to luxurious rooftop and patio transformations. #RooftopDesign #PatioIdeas #SummerEntertaining #OutdoorLiving #LuxuryDesign #AlFrescoDining #HomeDecoration #InteriorDesign #TerraceIdeas

TAC Taller Alberto Calleja designed Casa Kani Ini, a seaside retreat situated on a 4,500 sqm plot in the El Vigía sector of Puerto Escondido, on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico. The project aimed to create a comprehensive living space for a family while minimizing environmental impact. To achieve this, the design strategy involved fragmenting the total built area into several strategically distributed independent structures, rather than constructing a single, massive building. This approach ensures enhanced privacy, optimal ventilation, and a stronger connection with the natural landscape. The social and recreational areas of Casa Kani Ini are housed within a continuous nave, which is supported by a mixed structure of wood and concrete. This nave is oriented directly towards the beach and the Pacific Ocean, maximizing views and natural light. It features a single-sloped roof and a flat slab section that supports a rooftop area. This elevated rooftop serves as a contemplative space, offering new perspectives of the surroundings and enriching the visual and sensory experience from a higher vantage point. A central green water courtyard forms the core of the house, acting as a transitional element and a natural distributor between different spaces. This courtyard maintains a sense of openness and fluidity throughout the property while also providing privacy and enhancing natural airflow. The bedrooms and service areas are organized into six independent modules, positioned at the rear of the property in a staggered layout. This arrangement physically isolates the various functions, with these solid volumes connected only by circulation bridges. This fragmentation of the built mass across the site facilitates a harmonious integration with the surrounding natural environment, allowing the architecture to blend seamlessly into its coastal setting. The design of Casa Kani Ini fosters a dynamic interplay between the architectural forms and the natural environment. The strategic placement of independent volumes, combined with the use of natural materials like wood and concrete, contributes to a balanced and respectful intervention in the landscape. The project prioritizes natural ventilation and open spaces, ensuring that the inhabitants can fully experience the coastal setting while enjoying privacy and comfort. The overall scheme reflects a thoughtful consideration of site conditions and client needs, resulting in a retreat that is both functional and deeply connected to its unique Mexican coastal location. #ResidentialArchitecture #SeasideRetreat #MexicanArchitecture #WoodAndConcrete #SustainableDesign #CoastalLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #EnvironmentalIntegration #PrivacyAndOpenness

Interior designer Simon Hamui's latest project is a penthouse in Monterrey, Mexico, drawing inspiration from the aesthetic of a New York loft. The design harmoniously blends panoramic city views with a dark and atmospheric interior. Hamui, known for his custom millwork and celebration of Mexico's traditional design methodologies, created a space that caters to the art-collecting residents. The design thoughtfully integrates bookcases along the periphery of the space, extending into the master bedroom to showcase the couple's art collection, complemented by a monochrome palette. Privacy is a key consideration in the apartment's interior design, achieved through the strategic use of sliding doors to create distinct areas for visiting children. Custom-made, irregular-shaped locks on these doors ensure a seamless integration with the surrounding bookcases and walls, enhancing the sense of seclusion. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a central feature, bringing the exterior views into the open-plan layout, which is furnished with both standalone and integrated pieces designed by the Simon Hamui team. The entryway makes a striking first impression with a central table adorned with hollowed acrylic and tarnished silver leaf, illuminated by a Studio Drift 'Fragile Future' light installation. This imposing entrance leads to a studio, service quarters, and the main living areas. In the living room, a custom fireplace is flanked by grey granite cladding, softened by linen-like textures, and anchored by a grand antique marble coffee table. This arrangement creates a luxurious contrast with the bar area, which features cristallo, quartzite, grey parchment, and tarnished silver. The kitchen is outfitted with white marble countertops and illuminated by two silver pendants from Apparatus. Throughout the penthouse, Hamui's signature style is evident in the meticulous custom millwork and the selection of dark woods and leathers, contributing to a welcoming and atmospheric ambiance. The design not only showcases the residents' art collection but also creates distinct private zones within the open layout, all while framing the expansive city views. The project represents a sophisticated fusion of contemporary design principles with a deep respect for local craftsmanship and the natural environment. #MexicoPenthouse #SimonHamui #InteriorDesign #NewYorkLoft #CustomMillwork #LuxuryInteriors #ArtCollecting #ModernDesign #MonterreyArchitecture

The Palco outdoor furniture collection, designed by Sam Hecht and Kim Colin of Industrial Facility for Kristalia, reimagines common outdoor elements like pallets, slatted tables, and decking into a modular and elegant system. Industrial Facility, known for transforming everyday objects into designs with unexpected beauty, applies this philosophy to Palco, focusing on versatility and aesthetic appeal for outdoor living spaces. The core of the Palco collection is a slatted teak platform that serves as a foundational element. This platform is supported by a robust metal base, ensuring stability and durability in outdoor environments. The design allows for a high degree of customization and adaptability, as various segments can be combined to form numerous configurations. These configurations range from simple seating arrangements to more complex lounge setups, providing flexibility for different space requirements and design preferences. Integrated within the collection are upholstered elements that can be placed on top of the teak platforms. These upholstered components offer comfort and a soft contrast to the natural wood and metal, enhancing the overall user experience. Furthermore, some platforms are designed to function as low tables, providing convenient surfaces for placing items such as lighting fixtures, beverages, or decorative objects, thereby adding to the collection's utility. The modular nature of Palco allows users to easily rearrange components, enabling dynamic changes to their outdoor living spaces over time. This adaptability ensures that the furniture can evolve with changing needs or aesthetic desires, making it a practical long-term investment. While designed for outdoor use, Kristalia suggests that the Palco collection is ideally suited for covered or semi-covered areas, which helps protect the materials and prolong their lifespan, ensuring continued beauty and functionality. Overall, the Palco collection exemplifies a thoughtful approach to outdoor furniture design, blending functional modularity with an elevated aesthetic inspired by everyday forms. The combination of natural teak, sturdy metal, and comfortable upholstery creates a sophisticated yet adaptable solution for contemporary outdoor living, inviting users to create personalized and elegant arrangements in their exterior spaces. #OutdoorFurniture #PalcoCollection #Kristalia #IndustrialFacility #SamHecht #KimColin #ModularDesign #TeakFurniture #OutdoorLiving

This article explores the transformation of an Indian Wells vacation home in Palm Springs, a mid-century modern residence that underwent a significant renovation by interior designer Stephanie Brown Inc. The project aimed to update a dated property, which suffered from piecemeal renovations, including ceramic flooring, defunct fireplaces, poor space planning, and an inefficient kitchen layout. The reimagined home, spanning 2,200 square feet, now seamlessly integrates with its desert landscape and adjacent golf course grounds, offering a blend of modern aesthetics and functional design. The exterior enhancements include an entry courtyard designed to draw attention skyward, expansive patios, and a pool with an organic, pond-like edge, all contributing to an immersive outdoor experience. Inside, the home features an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area centered around a core element that houses a wood-burning fireplace and media equipment. The private quarters consist of three bedrooms and three bathrooms, all designed to maximize natural light, sight lines, and fresh air. Previous structural inefficiencies were addressed by consolidating poorly used space, converting former fireplaces into built-in millwork, and redesigning the kitchen for optimal entertaining. The kitchen now includes a long island for gatherings, a dedicated coffee station, and a bar strategically placed between the dining and living areas. Stephanie Brown's design philosophy for this project, dubbed "Casa Sand Dune," focused on creating a warm, calming, and clean interior. Unlike the bright and kitschy styles often associated with Palm Springs mid-century interiors, Brown drew inspiration from contemporary design in Mexico and Australia. These influences emphasize monochromatic palettes and the use of natural materials, such as textural stone and warm woods. The interior surfaces, including walls, floors, and countertops, are bathed in soft parchment tones, allowing for a layering of expressive home furnishings that introduce warmth and character, contrasting with the starkness sometimes found in minimalist designs. Considering the arid climate and the desire for outdoor living, large-format porcelain tile was selected for flooring throughout the home due to its cooling properties and durability. Other wet areas incorporate subtle shifts in material, featuring soft terrazzo marble and a textured wall of zellige terracotta. Melamine walnut cabinetry was chosen for its resistance to extreme heat and sunshine, ensuring longevity and maintaining aesthetic integrity. The fireplace, a focal point, is encased in walnut paneling with a hearth made of fluted concrete tiles. Through these careful interventions and material selections, Brown has successfully reinterpreted a mid-century modern gem, adding a contemporary layer to Palm Springs' rich architectural heritage while preserving its timeless appeal. #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyModern #PalmSprings #HomeRenovation #DesertLiving #StephanieBrownInc #ArchitecturalHeritage #NaturalMaterials #ContemporaryDesign

The article presents an interview with architects Maritza Lara Cáceres and Daniel Cruz Maldonado, founders of Casa Quieta, a furniture and home accessories showroom in Mexico City. Casa Quieta, which translates to “quiet house,” is located in an Art Deco building in Polanco and operates by appointment, functioning as a fully furnished and shoppable apartment. The founders describe their vision for Casa Quieta as creating serene, timeless spaces that blend artisan techniques with contemporary design, drawing inspiration from functionalist architects like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Richard Neutra. They emphasize the preservation of traditional craft mixed with a rationalist aesthetic. Cruz Maldonado explains that Casa Quieta originated from the desire to consolidate and promote their respective furniture brands and their marble accessories brand, Casa Mineral, which launched in 2015. The concept was inspired by “The Apartment by The Line” in New York City, adapted to showcase exclusively Mexican design and art. Lara Cáceres elaborates on the products offered, which include their own furniture and marble accessories, as well as lighting, artworks, ceramics, textiles, and rugs from other Mexican studios. They prioritize contemporary, mostly handmade designs from Mexico and aim to showcase emerging talents. The co-founders, who met at age 17 while studying architecture, highlight their complementary strengths. Lara Cáceres brings warmth and a vision for creating atmospheres through space and photography, while Cruz Maldonado focuses on details, customer experience, and business strategy. Both maintain their individual design studios: Capital Studio for Lara Cáceres, concentrating on personal and intimate residential retreats, and Cotidiano for Cruz Maldonado, which handles comprehensive design projects from building facades to intricate finishes. They share early memories of design, with Lara Cáceres recalling reorganizing her bedroom for serenity and Cruz Maldonado developing a passion for furniture and collecting design magazines from a young age. Lara Cáceres’s decision to study architecture stemmed from her attraction to various art forms and her understanding of interior spaces' impact on daily life. Cruz Maldonado identifies several influential figures and brands, including Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi for her introduction of modernism in Latin America, Norm Architects for their global collaborations, Danish furniture brand Menu and its hospitality project Audo, and Vincent Van Duysen for his architectural ideas translated into furniture for major brands like Molteni and Flos. These inspirations reflect a global perspective on design while maintaining an appreciation for local craftsmanship. Regarding future endeavors, Casa Quieta aims to become a key destination for architects, interior designers, and design enthusiasts. They plan to launch new collections annually, collaborate with other designers on exclusive pieces, and expand their showcase to include Latin American design from other countries. They also express interest in exploring new materials and extending their concept into the hospitality and real estate sectors. For inspiration, both founders emphasize investigation, learning from daily life with consciousness, and travel. They find beauty in raw materials, simple forms, and 20th-century architecture and design, embracing human and universal concepts. #CasaQuieta #MaritzaLaraCaceres #DanielCruzMaldonado #MexicanDesign #FurnitureShowroom #InteriorDesign #ArtisanTechniques #ContemporaryDesign #ArchitecturalInfluence

Matt Sorum, the Grammy-Award winning drummer known for his work with Guns N' Roses, has transformed his yard into a versatile outdoor living space. This elegant patio serves multiple functions, including a living room, movie theater, desert garden, and pool lounge, all while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. Sorum designed the space with his family in mind, focusing on creating an inviting environment for his wife and daughter. The design harmoniously blends timeless style with practical needs. Key to the patio's appeal is its expert planting, which aligns with the Palm Springs desert landscape but with a softer, more romantic touch. Sorum opted to relocate most of the original cacti to the front yard, introducing lush elements like 18 olive trees, two Bismarckia trees, an aloe tree, desert flowers, and lavender. This selection of diverse desert plant life helps to integrate the patio with its natural surroundings while providing a refined, yet not overly manicured, appearance. The use of potted plants and designated planting beds further contributes to the room-like quality of the outdoor area. Outdoor furniture plays a crucial role in establishing the comfortable and luxurious atmosphere. Sorum selected Flex Outdoor Sofas by Resource Furniture, arranging them to create a large outdoor sofa. This setup is ideal for family movie nights, projected onto a screen outdoors, and also functions as daybeds around the pool. The furniture choices emphasize lounging comfort and versatility, catering to both relaxation and entertainment needs. Additionally, the patio features a gorgeous firepit, perfect for backyard barbecues, enhancing its functionality as an outdoor gathering space. Sorum emphasizes that personalization is vital in creating an effective outdoor living room. He advises homeowners to invest in areas they will use most frequently. For those in warm climates who enjoy films, a projector for outdoor movie watching is recommended. If poolside activities are a priority, comfortable loungers or sofas with performance fabric are a wise investment. For frequent hosts, a stylish fire pit can elevate the social experience. Sorum views the backyard as an extension of the home and its inhabitants, encouraging individuals to infuse their unique style and preferences into its design. This approach ensures the space is not only beautiful but also highly functional and reflective of the homeowner's lifestyle, creating an inspiring and personalized outdoor haven. #PatioDesign #OutdoorLivingRoom #CelebrityHomes #DesertLandscaping #HomeDecor

Furniture designer Mark Grattan has found his serene retreat in a 19th-century building in Mexico City's Colonia San Rafael enclave, an apartment located in a rare building designed by the renowned Mexican architect Luis Barragán. Grattan, the founder of VIDIVIXI, a prominent furniture design studio, has gained recognition from figures such as Solange Knowles, who enlisted him as a product development consultant for her design studio, Saint Heron, and Ellen DeGeneres, whose design competition, _Ellen’s Next Great Designer_ on HBO Max, features Grattan as a participant. Grattan's journey to Mexico City began in 2016 when he moved from Brooklyn, where he founded VIDIVIXI in 2014. Despite a tumultuous romantic relationship that ultimately ended, he chose to remain in the city, seeking a personal sanctuary. He subsequently found a two-bedroom apartment in a Barragán-designed building, which retained many of its original midcentury details, including paned windows and interior wooden doors designed to filter light. The apartment also features an iron balcony, which serves as Grattan's morning contemplation spot, offering views of the Jardín del Arte. The apartment's natural light deeply impressed Grattan, leading him to meticulously observe its patterns for over a year before commencing decoration. He noted the appearance of rainbows on the walls in the late afternoon and spectacular sunsets, which he sought to amplify. To achieve this, he installed a wall of mirrors at one end of the living room and another above the sofa. These mirrors interact with the incoming natural light, reflecting off each other to create dynamic and unexpected plays of luminescence throughout the space. Grattan's commitment to perfection is evident in the custom elements and thoughtful modifications throughout his home. He designed much of the furniture, including a wall-mounted sideboard in the living room that spans the entire back wall. In the bathroom, he relocated the showerhead to accommodate a bronze-glass door and suspended a fern above the entrance. These deliberate choices create a distinctive ambiance, particularly in the evening, when the mirrors, water, and foliage cast captivating shadows, enhancing the overall experience of the space. The bedroom features a custom king-size variation of his best-selling Docked En Rio platform bed, a design that blends Art Deco and Japanese influences. A guajillo tree positioned bedside on a cuboid plinth contributes to the room's tree-house-like atmosphere, reflecting a minimalist aesthetic and a profound sense of restraint. This approach aligns with his decision to live in the unfurnished space for an extended period, prioritizing quality and thoughtful design over immediate completion. Grattan expresses satisfaction with the final decor, viewing the creation of his beautiful space as a form of personal triumph and contentment. #MarkGrattan #MexicoCity #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #VIDIVIXI #LuisBarragán #ModernistArchitecture #HomeDecor #DesignPhilosophy

This article explores various inspiring rooftop deck ideas to transform outdoor spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing areas. The ideas range from modern designs with sweeping views to cozy setups featuring fire tables and fireplaces, catering to different preferences and space constraints. The first concept highlights a modern second-story deck by @kaylen.flugel.design, characterized by contemporary furnishings and impressive tree views. The use of black exterior paint, specifically Mopboard Black by Benjamin Moore, is noted for its contrast with greenery and its coordination with the home's interior aesthetic. Another idea presented is a rooftop deck equipped with a fire table and built-in seating, designed by @pitchconcepts. This design emphasizes comfort and social interaction, offering stunning views of cityscapes like the Chicago skyline. The inclusion of arborvitae helps to break up the urban gray, creating a more natural feel. The article also addresses small rooftop spaces, demonstrating how even limited areas can be made luxurious. Realtor Anthony Guthmiller of @aluxedesign's project showcases a small rooftop deck refreshed with white stucco, potted plants, an outdoor rug to define the sitting area, and café lights for ambiance, proving that size does not limit luxury, especially with a waterfront view. For cooler climates or evening use, a rooftop deck with a fireplace is suggested, as exemplified by a design from @rockwell_custom. This setup features a stone fireplace, an outdoor rug, and boho-style seating, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere. The article encourages turning towards the glowing fire for a different view when not admiring the skyline. A DIY approach to rooftop decks is also covered, with Tamara of @everydaycottage illustrating how a flat-roofed porch can be converted into a beautiful outdoor retreat by reinforcing the ceiling, adding white railings, and creating door access. Similar outdoor loungers and wood stump side tables are recommended to replicate this look. The aesthetic appeal of a black-and-white rooftop deck is explored through a design by @ladecks. This concept emphasizes a chic and simple formula: modern gray decking, streamlined black railings, black chairs, a white outdoor sectional, and black-and-white striped pillows, resulting in a cohesive and stylish space. For a more opulent feel, a sophisticated rooftop deck by Four Brothers Design + Build is featured. This design incorporates matching armchairs for a conversation area, rich textures, an elegant blue and white color scheme, and a wood accent wall that adds warmth. Potted ferns are highlighted as a savvy finishing detail that enhances the overall lushness of the space. Finally, the article discusses the appeal of a grassy rooftop deck, suggesting artificial turf as a practical alternative to real grass for lounging or play, especially when considering the complexities of growing natural grass on a deck. Products like Tile Tech's Turf-Tray rooftop deck system, with its adjustable pedestals and lightweight trays, are mentioned as suitable options for such applications. The article concludes by recommending multi-level deck designs for those desiring a luxurious deck with multiple seating areas, offering a comprehensive guide to maximizing rooftop outdoor spaces. #RooftopDeck #OutdoorSpace #HomeDesign #PatioIdeas #DIYProjects #ModernDesign #ExteriorDesign #LandscapeArchitecture

The newly completed House in Puntiró by Mallorca-based architecture studio RipollTizon integrates seamlessly into its natural surroundings, framing expansive views across the Spanish island of Mallorca towards the Bay of Palma. The design addresses the challenging sloping site and adheres to strict local regulations, which include mandates for a predominantly rectangular plan, a simple volumetric design, and a sloping roof clad with traditional ceramic tiles. Consequently, the dwelling is strategically positioned on the upper portion of the plot and organized into a series of stepping levels that mirror the land's topography. RipollTizon's House in Puntiró is designed as a terraced dwelling intended for two families, with additional provisions for frequent guest visits. The architectural layout divides the property into two independent private areas, each encompassing a master bedroom, an adjacent multipurpose room, and a bathroom. These private sections are complemented by shared communal spaces. The floor plan, which is almost square, positions the private areas on adjoining sides to ensure autonomy for each family unit, while shared living spaces are arranged along a diagonal axis that optimizes views of Mallorca. The design incorporates three distinct courtyards, each serving as a transitional space. One of these courtyards is covered by a lightweight structure that supports climbing plants, creating a shaded, semi-outdoor living area that enhances the connection to the natural environment. The architects at RipollTizon drew inspiration from traditional Mallorcan construction techniques, employing a palette of earthy materials to achieve a blend of natural textures and dynamic forms. The structural integrity of the house is achieved through load-bearing walls and one-way slabs, which also serve to define the interior living spaces. The internal landscape of the home is characterized by stepped floors and staggered ceilings, contributing to a fluid and adaptive interior. The entire structure is capped with a sloping roof featuring traditional Arabic tiles, which provides a ventilated and accessible air chamber for building installations. The extensive use of lime mortar for the load-bearing walls and exposed beams and slabs imbues the sunlit interiors with a light, Mediterranean ambiance. The project, completed in 2023, is located in Puntiró, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, with Pep Ripoll and Juan Miguel Tizón as lead architects, and photography by José Hevia. The design successfully marries modern living requirements with a deep respect for local architectural heritage and natural context. #ArchitecturalDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #MallorcaHouse #RipollTizon #SpanishArchitecture #TerracedDwelling #VaultedCeilings #ArabicTiles #SustainableDesign #MediterraneanHome

Casa Xcumpich, designed by Taller Mexicano de Arquitectura and situated in the northern area of Mérida, Yucatán, aims to reinterpret its architectural context through a contemporary lens. The residence, also known by the Mayan word Chac due to its distinct reddish walls, integrates with the surrounding residential typologies at the pedestrian level. The design echoes the functional dynamics of traditional small village houses, strategically leveraging its orientation to optimize natural ventilation and lighting. A prominent feature of the design is the use of a lattice structure, which serves a dual purpose: it facilitates air circulation and introduces indirect light into the interiors, while also fostering a connection with the adjacent park without compromising the residents' privacy. The ground floor of Casa Xcumpich features an open-plan layout in its common areas, extending views toward the property's boundaries. This configuration allows the space to function as a large covered area, effectively blurring the distinctions between the indoors and outdoors. Within the enclosed sections of the house are the service rooms and a dedicated private textile workshop for the owner. The family room is ingeniously sunken, utilizing the change in elevation to seamlessly integrate built-in furniture. This innovative approach is also applied to the area beneath the main staircase, transforming it into additional storage for the kitchen, thereby maximizing functionality within the design. The upper floor of the residence is characterized by a cubic volume that contains the private living areas. Natural light plays a central role on this level, entering through skylights and casting dynamic shadows across the smooth chukum walls throughout the day, persisting until evening. The two levels of Casa Xcumpich are distinguished by variations in the texture and tone of the pigmented cement walls. In contrast, all other fixed elements within the home, such as countertops, stairs, floors, and bathtubs, are crafted from natural gray concrete, establishing a consistent material contrast that unifies the interior aesthetic. This thoughtful material selection and architectural approach create a harmonious blend of traditional inspiration and contemporary design in Casa Xcumpich. #CasaXcumpich #TallerMexicanoDeArquitectura #YucatanArchitecture #ContemporaryDesign #LatticeFacade #NaturalVentilation #SustainableArchitecture #MexicanArchitecture #ResidentialDesign

A couple residing in the Heritage on the Garden acquired two units within the Back Bay building, granting them access to an expansive private rooftop terrace. This outdoor space, spanning 1,500 square feet, was noted as being dated, prompting the owners to seek a comprehensive renovation. They engaged Zen Associates, a landscape architecture firm, to undertake a complete overhaul, with the goal of creating a contemporary and highly functional outdoor living area. Peter White, a principal landscape architect at Zen Associates, led the design and construction efforts. The initial phase involved the demolition of the existing landscape elements, leaving only the fundamental concrete pavers and the essential iron safety railing. This cleared the way for a fresh design approach. Given the generous size of the terrace, the design strategy focused on segmenting the area into distinct functional zones. This approach aimed to create a more intimate and manageable scale within the large space, resulting in the establishment of two primary areas: one dedicated to dining and another for lounging. For the dining area, Zen Associates implemented a platform crafted from ipe-wood tiles. Complementing this, they designed and fabricated a custom steel-and-ipe-wood canopy, providing both architectural interest and practical shelter. This area was furnished with an expandable dining table capable of accommodating up to 14 guests, specifically chosen to facilitate large dinner parties and social gatherings. The use of ipe wood, known for its durability and aesthetic appeal, contributes to the sophisticated and enduring quality of the dining space. The lounging area was conceived as a dedicated space for relaxation and informal gatherings. Zen Associates selected a range of furniture from Manutti, emphasizing comfort and contemporary style. To offer protection from the afternoon sun, a Tuuci umbrella was incorporated into the design, enhancing the usability of the lounge during different times of the day. Both the dining and lounging zones are unified by a lighted fence, which serves a dual purpose: it ensures privacy for the residents and provides an attractive backdrop for a series of perennial-filled fiberglass planters. The planting scheme for the terrace was meticulously planned to ensure visual interest across multiple seasons. The selection of flora includes evergreens, honeysuckle, nepeta, and other plant varieties, collectively offering a continuous display of color and texture for three seasons of the year. This diverse planting strategy ensures that the garden remains vibrant and appealing, complementing the ever-present panoramic views of the Public Garden. The project successfully transformed a previously underutilized space into a luxurious and highly functional outdoor retreat, allowing the residents to enjoy various activities within their urban environment. #RooftopTerrace #PublicGarden #LandscapeArchitecture #OutdoorLiving #HomeDesign #ZenAssociates #BackBay #IpeWood #ManuttiFurniture