AN ARCHITECT’S VISION FOR URBAN FAMILY LIFE IN THE HEART OF MEXICO CITY
An architect’s vision for urban family life in the heart of Mexico City Galileo 105 is the home of architect Javier Sanchez. Situated within Polanco, one of the most vibrant neighborhoods of Mexico City, the project was conceived to allow the members of his family to live, study, and work in the same place independently, enabling the smooth cohabitation of each person and their separate daily activities. The autonomy of the property’s personal spaces is balanced by the living area — the epicenter of familial dynamics — where the property’s inhabitants gather and converge in the motions of the everyday. “This is where most of the family life takes place,” explains the architect.
“The most important level of the entire house is the living area, with the living room, kitchen, and dining room as protagonists: it is in these spaces that family life takes place.”
In furnishing his kitchen, Javier chose an Italia stainless steel island, a classic design from Arclinea by Antonio Citterio. He says, "I chose this kitchen because it has a beautiful design with timeless quality. It doesn't look like a conventional kitchen, but rather a living space where food is prepared while conversing with family and guests." Natural light pours from a skylight, diffusing on the shimmering steel with a reflective glow that enlivens the architectural composition of the room. The central feature is defined by a linear system of Fenix matte black storage furniture and, on the other side, by a freestanding unit comprising Fenix modules.
Completed in 2017, this beautifully strategic property is the home of one of Mexico's most renowned contemporary architects and developers. In 1996, Javier founded JSa, his eponymous Mexico City architecture studio, and soon emerged as one of the most preeminent international voices in urban architecture. Renowned for his radical and innovative approach, his work addresses the challenges and opportunities of residing among urban complexity. Recognised for the originality of his projects, and the importance of the concepts proposed, JSa has received more than 100 international accolades.
While the main level of the building is reserved for connected moments and time spent collectively, the other floors accommodate the multitudes of functionalities required by members of the family. An independently accessible home office occupies the ground floor, while the intermediate floor is dedicated to the daughters' rooms. Atop the property, Javier's extraordinary rooftop garden serves as an oasis from city living. Its brutalist style and extensive use of concrete coexists with wooden elements that introduce warmth to the fabric of the house, illuminated at every point by large glass surfaces and embellished by the lush omnipresence of plants.
“From a personal point of view, this house has been designed to allow all its inhabitants to live independently, each using one floor of the house.”
