Casa Cuenca: A Boutique Hotel Renovation in Mexico City
Architects transform a historic property into a ten-room boutique lodging experience.
1Project Overview and Scope
Casa Cuenca is a boutique hotel project located in the Condesa neighborhood of Mexico City. Completed in 2024, the development features ten rooms within a total area of 712 square meters. The project involved a complex combination of renovation and extension work to modernize the existing structure for contemporary hospitality use.
2Collaborative Architectural Design
The design was a collaborative effort between Taller Ivan Esqueda, Gala Sánchez-Renero Estudio, and Mara Sánchez-Renero. Lead architects Ivan Esqueda Martinez, Gala Sánchez-Renero, and Mara Sánchez-Renero directed the design team, which included Berenice Galindo. Miguel Ángel Márquez managed the general construction process to ensure the architectural vision was successfully realized on site.
3Material Selection and Suppliers
The project utilized a diverse range of manufacturers to achieve its specific aesthetic and functional goals. Key suppliers included Porcelanosa Grupo, Arudeko, Atlawa, and Bandido Studio. Additional interior elements were sourced from CACAO, David Pompa, María Pizarro Tiles, Natural Urbano, Studio Barro, Tucurinca, and Urrea, reflecting a focus on curated local craftsmanship.
4Urban Context of Condesa
Situated in the Condesa district, the hotel benefits from one of Mexico City's most vibrant architectural landscapes. This neighborhood is characterized by its historic residential buildings and tree-lined streets, making it an ideal location for boutique lodging. The renovation respects the urban fabric while introducing modern amenities required for high-end hospitality.
5Technical Execution and Construction
The construction process required precise coordination between the architectural firms and the general contractor. By integrating an extension with the existing building, the team managed to maximize the 712 square meter footprint. This technical approach allowed for the creation of ten distinct guest rooms while maintaining structural integrity and design consistency.
6Visual Documentation and Photography
The architectural outcome was documented by photographers Diego Padilla Magallanes, Liz Esperanza, and Noel Higuera. Their work captures the interplay between the renovated spaces and the selected materials. These images serve as the primary record of the project's completion, highlighting the finished interior design and the spatial layout of the hotel.
7Hospitality Market Positioning
As a boutique hotel, Casa Cuenca targets travelers seeking intimate, design-focused accommodations in Mexico City. The project reflects a broader trend in the hospitality sector where historic refurbishments are prioritized over new builds. This strategy allows developers to preserve local character while meeting the functional demands of the modern luxury tourism market.
8Strategic Impact of Renovation
The completion of Casa Cuenca demonstrates the viability of adaptive reuse in dense urban environments. By successfully blending renovation with new extension work, the architects have created a functional asset that contributes to the local economy. This project serves as a reference for future hospitality developments aiming to balance heritage with contemporary comfort.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Casa Cuenca: A Boutique Hotel Renovation in Mexico City