From a Clothing Brand to a Boutique Hotel: Octavia Casa in Condesa, Mexico by PPAA.

Photography by Luis Young.

It may seem like we’ve covered a lot of projects by PPAA (Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados) of late. That’s because we have. But whatcha gonna do when their work strikes the perfect balance between austere and warm, monumental and personal, and the latest project they’ve shared with us is no exception.

Octavia Casa arises as a translation of the Octavia clothing brand into a new kind of boutique hotel that feels a lot like home. Brand values such as “natural, simple, clear and honest” are decoded and manifested as an architectural space where visitors can enjoy a unique experience of temporarily living in Mexico City.

Located in the Condesa neighbourhood, one of the densest, pedestrian-friendly urban areas of the city, the project seeks to respond to the neighbourhood condition and join as another project with both urban and social character.

At the urban level, Octavia Casa is conceived as a building that opens up to the city and especially to the pedestrians, leaving the ground floor space free and replete with public character, promoting encounters between the city and the guests.

An important part of the project is the “empty space” that takes the form of a side patio, visually communicating with the outside. Equally, this built element provides textures in walls and floors, emphasizing the “architecture of emptiness”.

Photography by Maureen Evans.

The rooms are located in two blocks, one of them in the back section that’s open to the patio and the other in the front part facing the street. A timber lattice filter provides privacy to the street while creating a play of light and shade while protecting the residents from the sunlight.

The roof was conceived as a public place away for direct contact with the city – a place with a more controlled relationship with its surroundings, meticulously planned views of the neighbourhood while being enveloped by nature.

Octavia Casa demonstrates special care for the details and for the specific needs of each user. PPAA have employed only the materials in their purest state or those that have been exquisitely made in order to deliver a project that feels as harmonious as it is timeless.

Read on for further insight from the PPAA project team on Octavia Casa.

Photography by Luis Garvan.

+ What is your favourite thing about this project?

The simplicity achieved on a very tight plot – it’s all about light, proportions and natural materials.

+ What was the most challenging aspect of bringing this boutique hotel to life? Can you tell us about any obstacles you had to overcome?

The most challenging part was the facade – the idea of a wood screen that could create a sense of privacy but at the same time of light and natural felling was a very difficult technical problem. We wanted the wood to be very thin, especially on the ground floor where it moves so you can open the space to the city.

+ What are you most proud of?

Creating a hotel that feels more like home. You have privacy, you have a connection with the exterior so you don’t feel like you are in a room and also its very close to nature full of plants and all the materials are applied in their natural state.

+ Would you have done anything differently?

Actually no. The project was under construction during COVID-19 and we were able to do the proper adjustments and now it is a very good place to stay – it has all the circulation ventilated, it’s very clean and open without losing the sense of being in a home.

+ Are there any other interesting facts you could share with us?

The hotel is an extension of a clothing brand, so the idea of translating the brand principles into space was a very big learning experience.

[Images courtesy of PPAA. Photography by Maureen M. Evans, Luis Young and Luis Garvan.]