Challenge This 4.2m (less than 14’) lot in San Miguel de Allende, in Guanajuato, Mexico, is half the width of a standard urban lot, making every centimeter count in the design.
As the saying goes, “There are three rules in real estate: Location. Location. Location.” The historic Centro district is the most desirable district to live in, anchored by the majestic parroquia in the main square and surrounded by restaurants, shopping, daily conveniences, and nightlife - all within easy walking distance.
Due to its location, the property is subject to historic preservation regulations. Many falsely assume this means that you cannot demolish an existing structure. While this is true for structures with significant historic value, this structure was not required to be preserved — rather the style of the new house had to be in keeping with the traditional Spanish Colonial vocabulary and in scale with the other structures on the same street.
Solution First, the existing concrete and brick structure (covered in grease after serving as a hamburger stand for decades) was demolished. The site was hand-excavated to create a basement for storage and mechanicals (a rare luxury in Mexico). The new 3-story house was designed to allow natural light to penetrate all rooms, despite not having any windows on the sides or rear of the property. The modern style of the interior strikes a contrast with the traditional exterior, and the layout skillfully provides a main floor (designed to accommodate aging-in-place), a primary suite, artist’s studio, rooftop terrace, and interior courtyard with a jacuzzi that serves as a plunge pool on hot days.
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