Casa Rosario: A Unique Approach to Urban House Design in Historic Mérida

Casa Rosario, designed by Estudio SantaRita in 2022, sets a new standard for houses in Mérida’s Historic Center. This unique residence, home to a creative family, seamlessly blends artistic expression with architectural innovation. Through its linear layout and distinctive use of natural light and ventilation, the design ensures a fluid, harmonious living space. The integration of outdoor areas and a central pool not only enhances the connection between spaces but also introduces dynamic visual elements. Casa Rosario stands as a vibrant testament to the fusion of art and architecture.

Three adjacent houses with varying facades, one with a bright yellow door.
Contemporary living space with eclectic furniture and open plan layout.
Industrial-chic dining area with concrete walls and colorful accents.
Modern kitchen with dining area, large windows, and concrete accents.
Child's bedroom with a white bed, toys, and colorful decor.
Modern bedroom with large windows overlooking a garden.
Contemporary bedroom with adjoining indoor garden and glass walls.
Minimalist concrete entryway with a car parked beside steps leading to a wooden door
Narrow pool flanked by concrete walls and potted plants.
Sleek outdoor pool area with lounge chairs and tropical plants.

About Casa Rosario

Casa Rosario: Where Art Meets Functionality

Nestled in the heart of Mérida’s Historic Center, Casa Rosario emerges as a beacon of innovative architecture on a uniquely narrow plot. The residence, conceived by Estudio SantaRita in 2022, is more than a house—it’s an embodiment of how living spaces can intertwine with the natural environment and the creative spirit of its inhabitants.

Estudio SantaRita designed Casa Rosario with a clear vision: to harmonize the family’s artistic lifestyle with their need for functional living spaces. The house’s layout unfolds linearly, with a distinctive slab guiding the transition from social to private zones. This strategic orientation not only segregates spaces but also ensures a seamless flow throughout the home.

A Symbiosis of Light, Space, and Nature

At the core of Casa Rosario’s architectural philosophy is the integration of natural elements. The design thoughtfully incorporates courtyards and large openings, optimizing the North-South orientation to bathe the interiors in natural light while enabling cross-ventilation. This approach offers unobstructed views of the lush surroundings, establishing a profound connection between indoor and outdoor living.

The pivotal feature of Casa Rosario is the swimming pool. Serving as the nucleus of the home, it not only facilitates open-air circulation but also merges aesthetically and functionally with the living areas. By day, the water reflects sunlight onto the slab, casting dynamic shadows that animate the space. By night, it transforms into a radiant light source, adding a serene, contemplative ambiance.

A Frontage That Dialogues with History

In a respectful nod to its historic locale, Casa Rosario’s facade delicately incorporates the setback and height characteristics of adjacent structures, ensuring visual continuity within the block. Nevertheless, the home distinguishes itself through its distinct materials and color scheme, striking a balance between adaptability and individuality.

Inside, the house unfolds as a gallery, where each selected piece of art synergizes with the architectural features. The use of robust, tactile materials like cement, which acquires a patina over time, provides a serene canvas for the artworks. Furniture placement and spatial organization aim to foster a visual dialogue between the residence’s architecture and the art it houses, enhancing both in the process.

Casa Rosario redefines the concept of home for its artistic inhabitants. It’s a sanctuary that celebrates creativity, embraces nature, and respects its historical surroundings, setting a new archetype for urban living in Mérida’s Historic Center.

Photography courtesy of Estudio SantaRita
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- by Matt Watts

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