Located in Mérida, Mexico, FMT Estudio redesigned Casa Chuburná, a country house first built in the first half of the 20th century. The project focused on renovating the abandoned structure, enhancing lighting and ventilation by adding larger windows, and retaining historic elements. New areas were added with distinct textures and colours, blending the old and new. The result is a spacious home with garden views from every room, offering a retreat from the city’s fast pace.
In the first half of the 20th century, the city of Mérida, Mexico, was surrounded by small communities centered around country houses. With the city’s rapid growth, these once rural spaces became engulfed in the densification of serial housing developments. Casa Chuburná is one such house, transformed from an old country house to a contemporary residence by local firm FMT Estudio.
Originally sitting on a large wooded lot, the house was in a state of neglect, surrounded by fruit trees, palm trees, and even a cenote. The project consisted of a total renovation to make it habitable again.
FMT Estudio treated the renovation with a spatial processing approach that allowed it to “breathe and see” again. After years of disuse, the house was drowned in shadows, carrying only the memories of the family that had once inhabited it.
To achieve a healthier environment, spaces were freed, and larger windows were proposed to enhance lighting and ventilation. At the client’s request, new areas were added, distinguished from the original body of the building by textures and colors. The original building was marked in red, while the new additions were rendered in cream.
In the public areas, the original flooring was preserved, while rooms were outfitted with paste mosaics and polished concrete.
Retaining Historical Elements and Modern Additions
The doors and windows of the historic building were retained with their original green ironwork, and the walls were treated with a cement finish incorporating mineral pigments. The main spaces were dressed with restored antique furniture, housing the clients’ memorable memories and collections.
One of the primary goals of the renovation was to maintain the feeling of seclusion and retreat that a country house provides, serving as a pause from the fast and noisy movement of the city. The result is a fresh, spacious house, offering garden views from all its spaces, blending old charm with modern functionality.
Casa Chuburná’s transformation highlights FMT Estudio’s commitment to respecting historical elements while adding modern amenities, creating a harmonious living space that respects both its past and present context.
