Amsterdam-based interior design studio Barde vanVoltt have converted a former Mezcal tasting facility in the heart of Mexico City into a sanctuary-like, nature-infused home.
Barde vanVoltt co-founders Bart van Seggelen and Valérie Boerma describe their first encounter with the old building – formerly used by a local Mezcal brand to host tastings – as love at first sight. “Even though it was falling apart, we felt its soul was still very much alive,” Bart says. “The project ended up being one of the most inspiring and long journeys we’ve ever embarked on. We moved to Mexico and explored its cultural heritage, meeting so many talented designers and artists along the way.”
The home’s open-plan design encourages airflow, naturally cooling the interiors. The dining space features a custom timber dining table by Barde vanVoltt, leather Scriba chairs by Acoocooro, a chandelier by studio davidpoma and a bespoke wire-frame cabinet by Roberto Michelsen. In the kitchen, Barde vanVoltt have employed dark wood and stone for a contemporary feel and integrated Gaggenau appliances.
The brief entailed reinterpreting the existing layout to improve flow, optimise space and, most importantly, bring the outside in. To achieve this outcome, Bart and Valérie worked closely with local landscape design office Aldaba Jardines to create a fluent dialogue between the interiors and garden.
The home is configured around two lush courtyards, one comprising an outdoor dining area and the other comprising a custom-designed mezcal bar – an ode to the building’s previous life. Here, Bart and Valérie have planted a magnificent five-metre-tall Guayabo tree – its green canopy reaching from the ground floor to the bedroom balconies on the second floor.
On the ground floor, an open-plan kitchen and living space, a garage, a cinema, and two powder rooms encircle the courtyard. On the first floor lies three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder room. And on the second floor – the rooftop terrace – lies a plunge pool, washing room and pantry kitchen. “The open-plan design encourages airflow, naturally cooling the interiors. The rooftop terrace includes a plunge pool and shower to escape the Mexican heat,” Bart says.
Inspired by the home’s history, Bart and Valérie incorporated a mezcal bar in one of the courtyards, clad in handmade terracotta bricks by Tata Mosaicos.
The courtyard also features a pair of Carl Hansen & Søn Safari lounge chairs and Chuch Estudio stools.
The other courtyard features a dining set by Casa Quieta.
The material palette consists primarily of natural, earthy tones, including moss-green, faded terracotta, grey concrete and warm whites. Bart and Valérie chose to work with natural stone for the floors, breathable plaster for the walls, and wood and steel for the doors and windows. For the stairs, bathrooms and outdoor areas, they engaged a local artisan from Tata Mosaicos to hand-make bricks from compacted earth sourced from different regions throughout Mexico. The designers also made sure to keep and restore the building’s original Talavera-tiled facade and handmade timber entry door.
At the heart of Casa Mezcal are the local designers, suppliers, brands and artisans that Bart and Valérie met along the way and who helped bring the project to life. “We believe in showcasing local talent wherever we go,” Valérie says. “Together, we’ve created a home that’s bold, integrated and deeply rooted in Mexican culture.”
The living space features a pair of Santa & Cole pendants, a bespoke green sofa, custom rug by txt.ure, coffee table and lounge chair by Casa Quieta, and textile artwork by Kreyé.
The stairs are made from handmade terracotta bricks by Tata Mosaicos. A chandelier by studio davidpompa hangs from the ceiling.
Barde vanVoltt co-founders Bart van Seggelen and Valérie Boerma
In the hall is a powder-coated blue ZigZag chair by Roberto Michelsen and a brass wall lamp by studio davidpoma.
The primary bedroom features curtains by Telas de Pani, a rug by txt.ure and textile artwork by Kreyé.
Barde vanVoltt have incorporated a bespoke brick wall feature into the ensuite.
Barde vanVoltt maintained and restored the cast-iron, Art-Deco-inspired windows, as well as the timber arched doors and windows.
The rooftop terrace includes a plunge pool clad in Sukabumi tiles. On the wall is a lamp by ILWT and Nuumbra.
The post Home Tour | Casa Mezcal by Barde vanVoltt appeared first on est living | exceptional living.
