Suisse Residence
Mexico City, 2017-2021

The plot where the residence is located measures 135 meters in length and 25 meters in width. Its upper end is directly connected to the bustling Paseo de la Reforma, while the other descends in terraces towards the Barranca de Dolores stream, reaching a depth of 36 meters. In accordance with urban regulations, the new project retains the dimensions of the former residence designed in 1950 by Hans Stücheli. Our intervention, which renovates this work, preserves the geometry of the original plan while radically transforming its architectural language, thus reinventing the relationship between architecture and its surroundings.

The residence is positioned diagonally in the form of a parallelogram, occupying the entire width of the plot. The first platform, at the street-level entrance, serves as the base of the house. It is enclosed by smooth concrete walls seven meters high, shielding the space from external noise and creating a serene atmosphere. This tranquility is further enhanced by the omnipresent vegetation, which extends from the lower garden to the entrance courtyard.

The light gray terrazzo flooring flows seamlessly from the interior to the exterior, blurring the boundary between architecture and its environment. Black granite blocks structure the living spaces and contain the servant spaces. They also serve a structural function, supporting the two large slabs that define the architecture of the project. Interior patios allow natural light to penetrate deeply into the residence, subtly illuminating the space.

A wide staircase leads to the garden platform, while a series of cascading terraces ensures a smooth transition toward the ravine, harmonizing the garden with the surrounding nature.

Client: Swiss Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics
Collaboration: BlancasMoran, Mexico City
Project team:
Claudius Fruehauf, Guillaume Henry, Carlos Viladoms, Andrea Ishii, Matthieu Friedli.
BlancasMoran: Abel Blancas, Ricardo Saab
Photography: Rafael Gamo