Calli House
- Role: Architect & Designer
- Contributions: Architecture · Interiors · Project coordination
Custom furniture · Construction oversight · Photography - Mexico City
- 2020 – 2021
- Completed
Calli House (Casa Calli) is a renovated home in the south of Mexico City. The project explores the idea of warmth that a home can provide, offering a space to escape from the city’s chaotic and fast-paced rhythm.
The design reflects a desire to slow down, providing a refuge that feels grounded, peaceful, and personal. This sense of warmth is not only visual but also tactile and atmospheric—built into the textures, light, and rhythm of everyday living.
Brief
The homeowners approached me with the idea of renovating their residence. Given that the house already required maintenance, I proposed using this as an opportunity to reflect more deeply on each space’s potential, going beyond surface-level repairs to reimagine how the home could better serve the rhythm and needs of its inhabitants.
The main goals were to introduce more natural light and a stronger sense of comfort, especially in the living area and primary bedroom. There was also a clear need to enhance privacy and improve acoustics, as the main space was originally open to the street-facing façade and constantly closed off with a curtain to block noise and view.
Approach
To address the need for privacy and connection with nature, I designed a second wall along the main façade with controlled openings that offer views to vegetation while shielding the interior. Material selection played a key role in creating a sense of warmth—both physical and visual—through textures, tones, and finishes that support a calm atmosphere.
The spatial intervention aimed to evoke a slower rhythm of life, guided by the homeowners’ wish for peace and clarity. The house became a layered environment that balances openness with enclosure, simplicity with richness, offering an experience grounded in stillness and light.
Outcome
The renovated home now functions as a sanctuary—carefully planned openings bring in light and nature while preserving a sense of intimacy. The design maximized existing space, enhancing functionality without expanding the building’s footprint.
The transformation respects the essence of the original structure, while introducing a refined spatial experience. It considers the home not just as built form, but as a lived space shaped by subtle elements: the flow between inside and outside, the texture of surfaces, the play of light and shadow, and the quiet presence of everyday rituals.
