There are so many ideas to steal from this interesting hospitality project in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. The building that received a garden makeover is a historical monument. Because of this designation, the renovation to make it into a bar disallowed changes that would drastically alter the structure and site.

Before:

The site was over grown, filled with litter and the original architecture was compromised. 

After:

Clean-up, container gardens,pea gravel and pruning go along way towards creating an inviting place to have a drink. 

I find that some of the best design work usually comes when the brief is narrow and the options are limited. This seems to prove my point.

Notice how chain link fencing can be chic?  Chain link fencing is one of those things that somehow got some bad political associations attached to it and therefore it is rarely used.  It is such an obvious choice for a garden with its built-in trellis functionality.  I think it is especially good with a nice black frame around it.

 

The strict regulations around this project meant that there wasn’t an opportunity to build in certain things that a bar/restaurant really needs.  Like an office, wine storage and bathrooms.  So the design team had to add them to the back of the property with new construction.  It is always a challenge when working with old structures to blend the existing with the new.  Interestingly, exposed concrete works really well as a complimentary material for an old building.  I hardly notice the changes do you?

See more of this project here.

Location – Merida, Yucatan, Mexico – Designed By:  Nauzet Rodriguez

images: Pim Schalkwijk , Juan Sanchez Cano , Courtesy of Nauzet Rodriguez