Luis Barragan House and Studio Historical Facts and Pictures

The former dwelling of the famous Mexican architect Luis Barragan, known as Luis Barragan House and Studio was constructed in 1948 in Mexico City. The concrete building with a total area of 1,161 sq m has a ground floor along with two upper stories and a private garden.

It is an outstanding representation of the creative works of the architect in the post-World War II era. After his death, the house has been transformed into a museum, which is now jointly managed by the Fundacion de Arquitectura Tapatia Luis Barragan and his native state of Jalisco.

Luis Barragan House and Studio Exterior

Luis Barragan House and Studio

Luis Barragan House and Studio Inside

History

Originally, the house was located just outside Tacubaya, a historic town in Mexico. Later in 1939, Barragan purchased the property and started its construction. Keeping that part of the property for himself, he sold the remaining land. Before moving into this new house, Barragan used to reside in the Ortega House and lived there for 5 years till 1947. Although the new house was originally designed and constructed for Luz Escandon de R. Valenzuela, Barragan decided to live in it from the summer of 1948.

Inside of Luis Barragan House and Studio

Luis Barragan House and Studio Interior

Outside Luis Barragan House and Studio

Casa Luis Barragan Description

Located on the two neighboring plots (12 and 14) of General Francisco Ramirez Street and lying adjacent to the Ortega House, the residence is a single concrete structure with plaster rendering. It can be directly accessed from the lane on its eastern side through an entrance, but the garden is accessed from the west. The northern side of the building is occupied by the studio, which is directly accessible from the street. Barragan’s personal residential quarters comprise the rest of the house.

The Facades

Featuring rough cement walls with identical color and composition as it neighbors, the facade preserves the overall appearance of the neighborhood. Its high walls feature two doors and few small windows. The layout of the interior cannot be guessed by seeing the plain and flat façade outside.

Living Room

The living room, featuring a double-height ceiling and a floor made with pine planks, has white walls with small doors that lead to the service spaces. Its main window provides a direct view of the garden.

The garden

The garden area, containing a lovely fountain, can be accessed from the living room, dining room, kitchen, and breakfast nook. Originally, the garden was planned to have a simple grassy effect, but eventually numerous plants were allowed to grow freely to provide a wild feel.

The Upper Floor

This private space, as well as the roof terrace, can be accessed via stone stairs that lack railings. The upper floor area consists of an afternoon room, a guest room, and a master bedroom with an attached dressing room.

The Roof Terrace

It features high walls painted in dark brownish gray, white, and blood red while the floors are made with red ceramic tiles. It gives a view of the surrounding places including the observatory, patio, chapel, and the garden.