Dezeen Magazine

Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados Casa Octavia hotel Mexico City minimalist interiors

Wooden lattices screen concrete hotel by PPAA in Mexico City

Mexican practice PPAA has designed Casa Octavia, a boutique hotel in Mexico City that is based around the eponymous fashion brand.

A facade of slim wooden lattices covers the hotel's concrete and glass exterior, shading the interiors from harsh sunlight and creating a delicate pattern of shadows.

Casa Octavia boutique hotel by PPAA view of the front of the hotel
Wooden lattices shade the hotel's exterior

The hotel and its minimalist interiors are designed to be an extension of the clothes offered by Octavia.

"After a long conversation about what Octavia is, we came to the conclusion that a clothing brand nowadays is not only about the product they sell, but more about a lifestyle and a way to live," studio founder Pablo Pérez Palacios told Dezeen.

"So, we transported the clothing brand's values into a 3D space", he said.

Casa Octavia by PPAA image of the hotel's minimal interiors
The hotel is designed in the style of the Octavia fashion brand

The hotel is in La Condesa, renowned as one of the most pedestrian-friendly parts of Mexico City.

PPAA took the nature of the hotel's location into careful consideration. The wooden screen is designed to mediate this relationship, offering passersby a glimpse into its interior space while maintaining a sense of privacy for guests.

Casa Octavia boutique hotel by PPA side patio
A side patio connects Casa Octavia's ground floor to the street outside

La Condesa is also known for its neighbourly atmosphere, and Casa Octavia seeks to honour this tradition by promoting interactions between the neighbourhood and the hotel.

"The scale of the project is very similar to the surrounding buildings," explained Palacios. "We believe it merges very well into the urban fabric".

Casa Octavia boutique hotel by PPA patio
The courtyard is open to the sky

The hotel's ground floor is a flexible open space that can be used for various community schemes.

"When open, the ground floor becomes an extension of the sidewalk, giving a pedestrian feeling," said Palacios.

"It could also become a more private space for events when closed. It's a mixed typology, and that is exactly what gives La Condesa its vibrant atmosphere."

Casa Octavia boutique hotel by PPA guest room balcony
Sprawling plants adorn the guest rooms' balconies

A courtyard on one side runs across the full length of the hotel, linking to Casa Octavia's entrance.

Guest rooms are arranged in two blocks on the hotel's upper levels. One block is at the back of the hotel, with balconies that overlook the courtyard. The other set of rooms face the bustling street.

Casa Octavia boutique hotel by PPA ground floor
The hotel's ground floor is used for various community schemes

Octavia's minimalist style is reflected in the hotel rooms, which each have a king-size bed made up with cotton satin bedding from Casa Octavia's homeware collection.

Soft, neutral tones feature in the furniture, sourced from Mexican brands such as Ente, Onora and Encrudo.

"It's all about light and proportions and materials, giving a feeling of being a home away from home," said Palacios.

Casa Octavia boutique hotel by PPA guest room interiors
Bedding from Octavia's homeware collection features in the guest rooms

PPAA, or Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados, was founded by Pablo Pérez Palacios in 2016. Elsewhere in Mexico City, the studio designed houses with latticework screens in the Lomas Quebradas neighbourhood.

In the Tacuba area of the city, architect Inca Hernández has renovated a historic building to create new apartments.

Photography is by Luis Garvan, Luis Young and Maureen Evans.

More images and plans

Casa Octavia by PPAA plans
Ground floor plan
Casa Octavia by PPAA plans
First floor plan
Casa Octavia by PPAA plans
Roof
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA exterior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA exterior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details
Casa Octavia by PPAA interior details