CDMX, México
Casa Gilardi is the final residential project by Luis Barragan, completed in 1977 before his death in 1988. I visited for the first time in January of 2024.NOWNESS – In Residence: Casa Gilardi (Director's Cut)
Excerpts and Drawings courtesy of Gilardi House – Barragan Foundation, 2024
“The Gilardi House was commissioned by advertising executive Francisco Gilardi to be built on a plot in a densely populated area of the capital, south of Bosque de Chapultepec park and not far from Barragán’s own residence.
Covering a total area of approximately 430 square metres, the definitive house design comprises a garage, kitchen, service rooms and swimming pool with dining area on the ground floor; a living room and library on the first floor; and two additional bedrooms on the top storey. The interior articulation is simplified according to rational criteria, while the building features a bold colour palette consisting of bright pink for the front and rear facades, light purple for the eastern boundary wall and white for the auxiliary volumes. As was customary for Barragán’s method of work, further adjustments were implemented during construction, including the final selection of colour hues, which he modulated to account for the effects of natural light on the texture and size of the walls.
Colour is an essential component of this architectural ensemble – not merely as an applied layer but as a key aspect of the house’s complex spatiality. The interaction of structural elements with natural light and water affords visitors the rare experience of a full physical immersion. Armando Salas Portugal’s images of the building contributed to its attainment of iconic status, and throughout the years the Gilardi House has been widely featured in fashion, design and lifestyle publications.
Barragán additionally devoted his attention to the interior design of the residence, not only outfitting the spaces with built-in components, but also choosing some furniture and even giving the client a colonial wardrobe from his own possessions. Local solid materials, simple finishes and vernacular accents, combined with the vibrant colours and textures of the walls, engage in a dialogue with contemporary artworks and pieces of folk art. This harmonious composition imbues the domestic environment with a sense of privacy and serenity, setting it apart from the surrounding urban context and creating a home that feels intensely personal and universal at the same time.”