Pascal Arquitectos - Mourning House

Pascal Arquitectos
Mourning House
Mexico City, Mexico

"A project of this nature must encourage introspection and peaceful visual harmony through a discrete use of materials and lighting".
Pascal Arquitectos

Photo: Víctor Benítez

Planned as an isolated structure in a residential area, the Grissal flamed granite building faces inward towards an illuminated courtyard.

Photo: Víctor Benítez

Visitors enter the building through the 6 feet wide, 30 feet tall triangular wooden door, and proceed along a sombre tunnel, of the same shape, to arrive at the double height granite Hall.

Photo: Víctor Benítez

The Hall, illuminated by the northern light from the indoor courtyard, has a tall Dracaena plant at the center and a symbolic abstract sculpture by artist Saul Kaminer as the only artwork.

Photo: Víctor Benítez

The only furniture in the building is a floating bench, surrounding the central room, made of the same wood used in the building. The bench also serves to hide the air conditioning, speakers, and recessed lighting. The only other ornaments are the lights and shadows playing on the granite volumes.
A floating dark cumaru wood ceiling and a skylight highlight this detail.

Photo: Víctor Benítez

This was a project with very strong emotional implications. To create a space with a spiritual mood the architects looked at ancient buildings, like the Egyptian Mastabas or Mayan buildings in Palenque, that were designed for this purpose. They were also guided by several groups of Rabies as religious rules and buildings codes in the Jewish Religion are very strict for this kind of place.

Drawing courtesy Pascal Arquitectos
Ground Floor Plan

Drawing courtesy Pascal Arquitectos
Longitudinal Section

Drawing courtesy Pascal Arquitectos
Cross Section

Total area: 262 square meters
Completed: 2006

Client: Comunidad Monte Sinai
Architects: Pascal Arquitectos
Carlos Pascal & Gerard Pascal
Construction: Arch. Rafael Salame

November 12, 2007





				Features
		Pascal Arquitectos Mourning House Mexico City, Mexico "A project of this nature must encourage introspection and peaceful visual harmony through a discrete use of materials and lighting". Pascal Arquitectos Photo: Víctor Benítez Planned as an isolated structure in a residential area, the Grissal flamed granite building faces inward towards an illuminated courtyard. Photo: Víctor Benítez Visitors enter the building through the 6 feet wide, 30 feet tall triangular wooden door, and proceed along a sombre tunnel, of the same shape, to arrive at the double height granite Hall. Photo: Víctor Benítez Photo: Víctor Benítez The Hall, illuminated by the northern light from the indoor courtyard, has a tall Dracaena plant at the center and a symbolic abstract sculpture by artist Saul Kaminer as the only artwork. Photo: Víctor Benítez The only furniture in the building is a floating bench, surrounding the central room, made of the same wood used in the building. The bench also serves to hide the air conditioning, speakers, and recessed lighting. The only other ornaments are the lights and shadows playing on the granite volumes. A floating dark cumaru wood ceiling and a skylight highlight this detail. Photo: Víctor Benítez This was a project with very strong emotional implications. To create a space with a spiritual mood the architects looked at ancient buildings, like the Egyptian Mastabas or Mayan buildings in Palenque, that were designed for this purpose. They were also guided by several groups of Rabies as religious rules and buildings codes in the Jewish Religion are very strict for this kind of place. Drawing courtesy Pascal Arquitectos Ground Floor Plan Drawing courtesy Pascal Arquitectos Longitudinal Section Drawing courtesy Pascal Arquitectos Longitudinal Section Drawing courtesy Pascal Arquitectos Cross Section Drawing courtesy Pascal Arquitectos Cross Section Total area: 262 square meters Completed: 2006 Client: Comunidad Monte Sinai Architects: Pascal Arquitectos Carlos Pascal & Gerard Pascal Construction: Arch. Rafael Salame November 12, 2007