Built within a lava field in the southern part of Mexico City, Casa Pedregal stands as a testament to the genius of renowned Mexican architect Luis Barragán with it’s bold colors, clean lines, and seamless integration with nature. You can take a tour this private residence.
To Get There
To book, email visitas@casapedregal.com
When To Go
The best time to visit Mexico City is from March to May, with the temperature being in the mid to high 70ºFs. The sun is out but not blazing.
The History
Constructed between 1947 and 1950, Casa Pedregal is the largest private residence designed by Mexican architect Luis Barragán. Its creation was a visionary solution to the burgeoning housing demand in one of the world’s fastest-growing cities. Barragán’s design initiative for the El Pedregal area aimed to harmonize urban development with the natural landscape of a lava field.
The volcanic rock around Casa Pedregal comes from the Xitle volcano, which erupted about 2,000 years ago, covering southern Mexico City in lava flows. This rugged, porous rock defines the area’s unique landscape and has been artfully integrated into the design of Casa Pedregal by Luis Barragán. Its natural textures and dark tones provide a striking contrast to the vibrant architecture, blending geology with modernist design.
This home once belonged to the Prieto family, but then underwent a transformation when art collector and restaurateur César Cervantes acquired it four years ago. Cervantes, known for his discerning eye for contemporary art, made a bold decision to sell off his art collection and embark on a mission to restore Casa Pedregal to its original splendor, inspired by Barragán’s vision for El Pedregal.
Casa Pedregal: The Tour
The tour begins at Tetelan, which was originally the horse stables for Casa Pedregal. This space was also recently restored by the art collector and restaurateur César Cervantes. It is many things: a café serving shade-grown local coffee, a showcase for local designers, a restaurant serving creative Mesoamerican dishes, a yoga studio, a hotel for visiting artists who are asked to donate a book to Tetetlán’s extensive collection, and a listening library. But it’s the space’s design that’s truly breathtaking: glass floors look down on the area’s local purple-black volcanic rock, and the sun pouring in from skylights is warmed by rafters painted in Barragán’s signature pink.
Make a mental note to dine here before or after the tour.
Once the tour starts, you’ll walk to Casa Pedregal just next door. When you step inside, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of serenity and timeless elegance. The layout, spanning across different levels, seamlessly divides public and private spaces, offering a sense of intimacy and tranquility. Light, both natural and artificial, plays a pivotal role in creating harmony within the living spaces, casting subtle shadows that dance across the pastel-colored walls.
The facade in hues of pink, exudes warmth and invites exploration. Inside, there are beige, blue, and pink tiles throughout the interiors, each contributing to the aesthetic charm of the residence. Parquet floors add a touch of sophistication to the internal spaces, while raw lava faux tiles pave the way to outdoor areas, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.
The outdoor swimming pool is contrasting to the pink building with it’s green hue. The interior of the pool was purposefully painted yellow to give it this green color.
So, next time you find yourself in Mexico City, don’t miss the opportunity to step into the Casa Pedregal or one of Barragán’s other creations and witness the magic for yourself.
Resources
Other notable Barragán homes include Casa Barragán and Casa Gilardi.
Book a tour: Mexico City: Legacy of Luis Barragán Tour at Casa Gilardi
One Response
Hi Chrissi,
We are a group of 5 and would like to do a tour of Casa Pedregal 2/2/2025 or 2/3/2025. How much do you charge for tours?
Best,
Victoria