Completed in 2020 by CPDA Arquitectos, Casa Jardin Escandón, situated at 19 Agricultura St. in the eclectic Escandón neighborhood of Mexico City, stands as a compelling mixed-use housing complex, emblematic of a synergy between modern innovation and traditional values. Located in an area experiencing a youthful resurgence, where classic art deco structures mingle with new contemporary designs, this project infuses a fresh, creative aesthetic into the community, offering a dynamic space that resonates with the neighborhood’s lively and evolving character.
Escandon Garden House Technical Information
- Architects1-2: CPDA Arquitectos
- Location: Mexico City, Mexico
- Topics: Courtyards
- Area: 2,300 m2
- Project Completion: 2020
- Photographs: © Jaime Navarro
The project is a physical manifestation of the idea that architecture can connect with both the built environment and the natural environment, generating great benefits towards offering a more complete and harmonious life experience.
– CPDA Architects
Escandon Garden House Photographs
Escandon Garden House
The architectural design is focused on inward living, revolving around a central courtyard and a rear patio that’s carefully distanced from the back boundary. This design allows all 14 residential units—comprising 4 apartment-style units on the ground floor and 10 three-level townhouse-style units above—to benefit from natural light and cross ventilation.
Embracing the neighborhood’s traditional inspirations, the structure’s volume is clad in Galarza stone, lending an elegant touch. The gabled facade facing the street features protruding concrete slabs, while the first level is realigned to form balconies, fostering a more direct connection with the outdoor social spaces within. Contrarily, the interior facades towards the central courtyard depict a dynamic interplay of diverse windows, openings, and gabled roofs, instilling a sense of creativity and ingenuity.
A central courtyard adorned with native plants harmonizes with the local climate, eschewing the need for high-maintenance care. Designed as a haven for contemplation, the courtyard leads residents through a gradual transition to an interior patio that provides a serene escape from urban life. This verdant space, the focal point of the design, is where architecture transcends into a realm of permanence and reflection, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
Balconies overlooking the courtyard are meticulously oriented to ensure privacy while still promoting social interaction, reminiscent of a shared “secret garden.” This concept extends to the rooftop gardens, flourishing with native sun-loving vegetation, thoughtfully arranged to offer both seclusion and expansive views.
The entrance to the complex, designed to resemble a cave with a gabled ceiling, creates an intriguing transition from the bustling street to the peaceful interior. This passage welcomes visitors with a play of light, landscape, and a carved stone gateway that transports them into a world apart from the bustling city.
Escandon Garden House Plans
Escandon Garden House Image Gallery
About CPDA Arquitectos
Founded in 2016 by Juan Pablo Cepeda, CPDA Arquitectos is an innovative architecture firm based in Mexico City, Mexico. Recognized with a Gold Medal in the First Mexico City Architecture Biennale in 2013, the firm has rapidly gained prominence as one of the leading young architectural practices in the country. Emphasizing creativity and a break from conventional design limitations, CPDA Arquitectos focuses on crafting physical solutions that integrate seamlessly into their urban, social, and cultural contexts. The firm’s philosophy highlights a commitment to the traditions of high-quality Mexican architecture, blending a thoughtful reinterpretation of site-specific elements that connect a space with its past, present, and future.
Notes & Additional Credits
- General Contractor: Mocaa Arquitectos
- Landscape Design: Taller Entorno Paisaje
