Casa Lorena: Combining Traditional & Modern Elements
Welcome to Casa Lorena, an exquisite house located in the historic downtown of Mérida, Mexico. It has been designed by Workshop: Diseño y Construcción in 2021, combining traditional and modern elements.
The house was once a large property from the beginning of the 20th century, however, it was divided several times and now consists of only 4.5 meters front. Yet, it’s still full of history and charm, with Decauville beams brought from France, white quartz central island, blue pasta tiles coverings, wooden roof structure with Marseille clay tiles, exposed stones and a small pool. Casa Lorena is a perfect oasis of tranquility surrounded by nature and pastel colors, inviting us to take a journey to a simpler time.
About Casa Lorena
Discover Casa Lorena: A Historical Gem in Downtown Mérida, Mexico
Nestled in the heart of Mérida’s historic downtown in Mexico, Casa Lorena is a beautiful example of a restored 20th-century property. What was once a house has been divided several times over the years, resulting in its current size of just 4.5 meters wide – a quarter of its original dimensions.
A Unique Entrance with Pastel Tones
One of the most striking features of Casa Lorena is its small inset with respect to the street, creating a rare access area in the city center. Stepping inside, the pastel-colored façade invites you into a small living room with high ceilings of over 5 meters. Preserved from the henequén (sisal) era, the living room’s Decauville beams from France are a stunning example of the period’s construction system, along with wooden beams.
Integrating Colors and Textures in the Kitchen
A large arch leads to the kitchen, featuring a white quartz central island and pasta tile coverings in blue tones, seamlessly integrating the colors of the beams in the living room. Glass doors anchor the terrace to the kitchen, allowing natural light to flood the space and offering beautiful views of the gardens. The wooden roof structure reuses Marseille clay tiles from the property’s original roof. The exposed stone walls contrast beautifully with the blue pasta tile floors and the red clay.
Private Area with Modern and Dynamic Volume
The private area of Casa Lorena comprises two bedrooms. The ground floor bedroom is accessed through a wooden deck, featuring a small ventilation cube that communicates with the bathroom, creating a feeling of spaciousness. The second bedroom has the same spatiality as the one on the first level and is surrounded by tropical vegetation. The modern and dynamic volume, consisting of a set of cubes at different heights and functions, is finished with chukum in blue tints. A small pool converges with the stairs of white cement and the hanging planters.
A Small Oasis in the Heart of the City
Casa Lorena is a hidden gem, offering a small oasis in the bustling city. It’s a place where history, textures, and pastel colors come together, transporting you to a simpler time. If you’re planning a trip to Mérida, don’t miss the chance to visit Casa Lorena and experience the beauty of this historic property.
Photography by Manolo R. Solís
Visit Workshop: Diseño y Construcción
- by Matt Watts
