In the heart of Mexico City’s Colonia Roma, a neighborhood celebrated for its cultural vibrancy and historic architecture, AMASA Estudio has transformed a neglected 1940s house into a contemporary masterpiece. Named Casa Sofia, the project breathes new life into a structure that had stood vacant for a decade, a casualty of real estate speculation in one of the city’s most sought-after districts. The renovation not only honors the building’s original essence but also introduces modern design elements to meet today’s living standards, proving that historic spaces can adapt without losing their soul.
Originally conceived as a single-family home, the project evolved to include a ground-floor apartment and a flexible commercial space, ensuring financial viability while addressing the neighborhood’s demand for mixed-use spaces. The garage area, for instance, can function as either parking or a retail unit, reflecting AMASA Estudio’s innovative approach to adaptive reuse.
The main residence begins on the first floor, where private areas—three bedrooms and two bathrooms—are arranged around a central vestibule. A striking spiral staircase leads to the second floor, where the layout opens dramatically into public zones: a light-filled living room, kitchen, dining area, and an open terrace with folding windows that blur the line between indoors and out.
Natural light plays a pivotal role in the design, with a circular skylight emphasizing the home’s vertical axis and illuminating the central staircase. The interplay of light and shadow creates an intimate atmosphere on the lower levels, while the upper floor’s open-plan layout maximizes brightness. A green-toned metalwork palette—seen in the staircase, doors, and furniture—contrasts elegantly with gray plaster walls, adding a dynamic yet cohesive aesthetic.
Beyond its architectural merits, Casa Sofia stands as a testament to sustainable urban renewal. By repurposing an abandoned property, AMASA Estudio challenges the trend of real estate stagnation in Colonia Roma, offering a model for how historic preservation and modern functionality can coexist. The studio, founded by Andrea López and Agustín Pereyra, is known for projects like the award-winning Hotel Pictograma in Valle de Guadalupe, and their work here further cements their reputation for thoughtful, context-driven design.
For those exploring the intersection of heritage and innovation, Casa Sofia is a compelling case study. Its success lies not just in its aesthetic appeal, but in its ability to reimagine a forgotten space as a vibrant, multi-functional hub—a beacon for the future of urban living in Mexico City.