- Interior
- Architecture & development
Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados (PPAA) was founded in 2018 by Pablo Pérez Palacios. Born in Mexico City in 1980, he studied at the Universidad Iberoamericana and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. His international experience was further enriched by earning a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design at Columbia University in New York. The practice focuses on diverse disciplines such as architecture, art, urban planning, and interior design.
One of the most notable projects by the architectural firm is Juan Cano I, a residential design in Mexico City. This project reflects the growing demand for innovative housing solutions in urban contexts. The chosen typology, a townhouse, addresses the need to use space efficiently in a city where population growth and limited plots go hand in hand. With a plot width of just 6 meters and a depth of 30 meters, the team opted for a vertical design. This approach minimizes the built area and maximizes open spaces. The design respects the existing trees on the site, naturally integrating the architecture with its surroundings. At the front of the plot is a compact mass housing the program, while the back features a versatile patio that can be utilized in various ways throughout the day.
Architecture is not just building; it is a dialogue with the environment
The east-west axis that runs through the house not only governs the sightlines but also defines circulation and spatial organization. To ensure privacy, the habitable area is elevated. This design principle not only provides shelter but also enhances the connection between the street and the backyard. Another distinctive element of the project is the staircase that links the various floors. This staircase forms a central axis for free and continuous circulation throughout the house, allowing movement from the street to the studio on the top floor without crossing other areas. The house’s exterior façade, executed in black, ensures harmonious integration into the urban context. Meanwhile, the interior offers a contrasting ambiance with light walls and warm wood tones in the furniture and carpentry. This balance between exterior and interior makes Juan Cano I an avant-garde design that explores new housing models. The house is more than just a housing project; it is a manifesto of how architecture can address the challenges of urban growth and space utilization. With a vision that is both functional and aesthetic, PPAA demonstrates their commitment to innovation and respect for the environment. This project underscores their status as one of the most creative and influential architectural practices in Mexico and beyond.
Photography by César Belio
Text by Ine Simons