Ana Paula de Alba and Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos focused on turning the premises into a totally versatile space where events of different scales could be held, creating closed and open environments depending on the client's needs. To achieve this flexibility, wraparound curtains were used, which allow different spaces to be enjoyed in the same place.
For the interior, the light and transparent fabric curtains become the main element of the project, contrasting with the vegetation of the interior patio and the green marble floors and benches. The oak wood furniture turns the space into a warm environment, as well as providing a timeless aspect to the project.
The façade was also modified, changing the door for a stainless steel one that reinforces the idea of entering and leaving a kitchen, offering a unique gastronomic experience.
Paladar House by apda + IUA. Photograph by Alejandro Ramírez Orozco.
Project description by Ana Paula de Alba, Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos.
The kitchen has evolved over the years to become a social and dynamic space, a place where everyone feels comfortable, both those who cook and those who enjoy the food. Over time, we have valued its functionality, but now we also appreciate its design, as we want to make the most of this nerve center where we go to feed ourselves, to share and to accompany whoever is cooking.
Casa Paladar is a culinary space where prominent figures of the global gastronomic scene such as Daniela Soto-Innes, Elena Reygadas, Virgilio Martínez and Julien Royer, among others, share their talent and creativity; it is located in the heart of Mexico City, on the ground floor of a building built in the 1960s in the Condesa neighborhood.
The project is based on the rehabilitation of a space that, after multiple interventions, lost its character and functionality. Returning it to its original state was practically impossible and required more effort than necessary.
The idea was to create a light and flexible space that could easily change scale and that would separate the user from the existing building and the external context, in order to connect with the main objective of the project: coexistence and culinary experience.
The approach to the remodeling was centered on carrying out an intervention with a unique gesture that completely embraced the space. The result is so flexible that it allows the realization of events of different scales and themes, whether it is an intimate dinner for 15 guests, an event for 45 people, a cocktail party, a party or a press conference. Regardless of the format of the event, the space adapts to create an open or closed environment, depending on the weather conditions and the needs of the client.
To achieve this necessary versatility and lightness, curtains were used as the enveloping and central element of the project. Thanks to this component, the possibilities of transforming different spaces within the place are multiplied.
As for the materials, a simple and sober approach was chosen. A light and subtly transparent fabric was selected as the main material, which is complemented by the abundant vegetation of the interior patio and the floors and benches made of Tikal green marble. A cold and clean contrast was introduced in the kitchen, where both the furniture and the equipment and the walls are covered with stainless steel.
The furniture was designed and manufactured in natural oak, custom-made, specifically for this project. The use of this material not only gives a timeless beauty to the space, but also provides a feeling of warmth and durability that integrates harmoniously into the project.
On the façade, the access was reconfigured and the door was replaced by a stainless steel gate. This simple gesture allowed to round off the discourse from beginning to end: the feeling that you are entering and leaving a kitchen.
Casa Paladar represents the architectural and interior design vision that transforms the kitchen into a versatile, welcoming and elegant space, where functionality and aesthetics come together to offer a unique gastronomic experience.
