An oak "skin" wraps the interior of living spaces at this apartment in Mexico City, renovated by locally based Esrawe Studio.
The two-bedroom Loma Residence in the neighbourhood of Lomas de Chapultepec faces sunset views over the forest, so Esrawe Studio reconfigured the layout to optimise this orientation.
Walls and partitions were removed to create a more open living and dining space, where low furniture is arranged so as not to obstruct the vista or prevent the golden-hour light from reaching far into the apartment.
To deal with a column and create separation from the rest of the apartment in a single gesture, the studio wrapped the structural element in oak and extended low consoles from both sides — forming a cross shape.
"Its sculptural expression triggers the operative relationship of the space, defining the leading gesture of the project, and becoming the element that houses books, vinyl records, and a space for a turntable," said Esrawe Studio, which was founded by Héctor Esrawe.
Storage cabinets at the same height are continued along a nearby wall, forming part of a much larger expanse of millwork that extends to the ceiling and wraps around the living room.
"The oak wood skin that runs through the space embraces the perimeter of the apartment," the studio said. "This same skin integrates all doors and entrances to the service areas, creating a visual, warm, and tactile continuity that travels all the way to the master bedroom."
The kitchen can also be hidden from the living area by sliding partitions in the same material.
When open, these operable panels sit flush within the millwork, which curves in on both sides to also conceal the refrigerator and the access to the pantry, linen closet and wine cellar.
In the centre of the kitchen sits a green-toned granite island that incorporates four gas burners, and the sink faces a long window that frames the verdant landscape.
Surfaces that aren't oak are marble, to "provide the space with a sober and contemporary atmosphere" according to the design team.
The exception is the guest bathroom, which is lined in green quartizite and features a sculptural Tikal marble washbasin designed by EWE Studio — founded by Esrawe with gallerist and curator Age Salajõe, and designer Manuel Bañó to promote Mexico's craft heritage.
Esrawe Studio was named Interiors Studio of the Year at the 2020 Dezeen Awards, and operates from a converted dancehall with an "honest industrial aesthetic" in the Mexican capital.
The studio's completed interior projects have ranged from a glossy bar at the city's Auditorio Nacional to a restaurant informed by Samurai armour and Kanji characters.
The photography is by Fabián Martinez.
Project credits:
Interior design and furniture: Esrawe Studio
Creative direction: Héctor Esrawe
Design team: Ángel Campos, Javier García-Rivera, Raúl Araiza, Jair Rocha, Viviana Contreras.
Visualizations: Madián Alvarado