Casa Mulata: RootStudio’s Modern Take on a 17th Century Mansion
Discover Casa Mulata in Oaxaca City, Mexico, a masterful blend of colonial and contemporary design by RootStudio. This unique house, designed in 2020, juxtaposes the elegance of 17th and 18th-century architecture with modern, sustainable materials. Led by architect João Boto Cæiro, this project seamlessly integrates old and new, creating a harmonious space that respects its historical roots while embracing contemporary living.
![A cozy outdoor living space with wooden screens, potted plants, and a relaxing atmosphere.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/001-casa-mulata-rootstudios-modern-take-on-a-17th-century-mansion-1050x788.jpg)
Embracing Historical Harmony with Modern Design
Casa Mulata stands as a testament to the skillful restoration of a historic mansion in the heart of Oaxaca, where RootStudio has ingeniously infused modern elements into a centuries-old structure. This house, sprouting from foundations laid in the 17th and 18th centuries, demonstrates a respectful fusion of the colonial and the contemporary.
![Cozy rustic living room with wooden walls, plush velvet sofa, and recessed lighting.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/002-casa-mulata-rootstudios-modern-take-on-a-17th-century-mansion-1050x1575.jpg)
Crafting Spaces that Speak Volumes
The original 81 square meters (872 square feet) feature adobe walls and introduce a distinct dichotomy between the two levels. The ground floor unveils an intimate space where the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom echo elegance through a medley of textures, materials, and neutral colors. Ascending to the upper floor, one is greeted by a warm contemporary ambiance, accentuated by sustainably sourced wood on walls, floors, and ceilings. A double-height space designed by Boto Cæiro increases the versatility of this level, adding a mezannine bedroom and a terrace that offers sweeping views of the Oaxaca Valley mountains.
![Modern minimalist kitchen with large circular mirror, wooden cabinetry, and sleek black countertops.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/003-casa-mulata-rootstudios-modern-take-on-a-17th-century-mansion-1050x700.jpg)
A Dialogue Between Old and New
Casa Mulata’s narrative is of a harmonious blend, where the integrity of the original structure respects the terracotta walls and ceiling vaults while introducing a modern volume that can be detached if needed to restore the mansion’s original state. This dialogue extends to the design elements within, showcasing a palette of black and white with organic touches. Each piece of furniture and decorative item, including handcrafted lamps, emerges from collaborations with local artisans skilled in textiles, pottery, and cabinetmaking.
![A rustic staircase with black metal steps against a wooden wall backdrop, complemented by decor.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/004-casa-mulata-rootstudios-modern-take-on-a-17th-century-mansion-1050x1575.jpg)
Connecting with the Landscape
RootStudio’s approach emphasizes rustic and natural themes, creating a connection with the locale through the use of endemic materials like clay and tropical woods such as nopo, pine, and tzalam. The presence of earth and lime-based paints alongside native vegetation breathes life into the project, fostering a deeper bond with Oaxaca’s landscape.
![The image showcases a modern, minimalist interior design with a wooden staircase, leather seating, and a round coffee table on a circular rug.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/005-casa-mulata-rootstudios-modern-take-on-a-17th-century-mansion-1050x1617.jpg)
Casa Mulata, with its blend of old-world charm and contemporary innovation, encapsulates RootStudio’s commitment to sustainable architecture that honors traditional building techniques while championing eco-friendly practices and social responsibility. This project not only redefines the value of heritage conservation but also sets a benchmark for modern living spaces.
![Rustic wooden walls and ceiling frame a large black-and-white portrait above the bed.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/006-casa-mulata-rootstudios-modern-take-on-a-17th-century-mansion-1050x1575.jpg)
![Rustic cabin interior with wooden paneled walls, large bed, and black-and-white artwork.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/007-casa-mulata-rootstudios-modern-take-on-a-17th-century-mansion-1050x1575.jpg)
![A cozy wooden bedroom with floor-to-ceiling curtained windows, a plush bed, and a statement artwork.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/008-casa-mulata-rootstudios-modern-take-on-a-17th-century-mansion-1050x788.jpg)
![A dark, rustic bathroom with wooden panels, a round mirror, and potted plants.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/009-casa-mulata-rootstudios-modern-take-on-a-17th-century-mansion-1050x1575.jpg)
![A modern bedroom with a wooden headboard, white bedding, and an abstract art piece on the wall.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/010-casa-mulata-rootstudios-modern-take-on-a-17th-century-mansion-1050x1575.jpg)
![A cozy outdoor patio with a wooden hot tub, potted plants, and woven baskets, creating a soothing ambiance.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/012-casa-mulata-rootstudios-modern-take-on-a-17th-century-mansion-1050x1575.jpg)
![A striking modern building with wooden slat screens, potted plants, and a simple concrete entryway.](http://i.homeadore.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/013-casa-mulata-rootstudios-modern-take-on-a-17th-century-mansion-1050x1599.jpg)
Photography by Carlos Lang and Marian Papworth
Visit RootStudio