Ortega House / Luis Barragan

Casa Jardín Ortega (1942) by Luis Barragán. This project started out as the first house the architect designed for himself. The property was part of a larger parcel he purchased and subdivided. There was a small existing structure when he purchased it. The Ortega house is special, not only because it's so early in his career but it was also initially designed for the architect to use himself. It showcases many ideas Barragán would use over and over again in other works.

Barragán said this about the house: “In 1941, I made my first garden in Mexico City. I acquired a piece of land with different levels, I complemented and leveled different platforms to create a garden in compartments, recalling the beauty of the patios and gardens of the Alhambra and the Generalife in Spain“

Barragán lived in the house until 1947. He then sold it to Alfredo Ortega, a master silversmith. Barragan did not go far. The second and final house he built for himself is just next door and now operates as the Luis Barragan House and Studio.

The two continued to collaborate on what is now referred to as the Ortega house. It's still owned by the Ortega family and Alfredo's nephew conducted the tour. The home is in incredible original condition. It's  full of original furnishings by Clara Porset and Luis Barragan. The term is overused but it really is a time capsule. 

Barragan loved his austere entry halls.

The first of many Clara Porset pieces.

Another chair by Porset

The amount of Porset pieces is staggering. She designed the chairs and dining table. 

Not designed by Porset or Barragain, but the table and sofa have been in the house since the 1960's.

There are two of these benches. They are claimed to be by George Nelson but I think they are just in the style of. I don't want to get all Herman Miller geek about it but just trust me on this one. 

Clara Porset

This office is part of the preexisting structure.

The perforated shutters are another feature Barragan used in other projects. However, these are the only ones where the interior of the holes are painted pink to cast a rosey light when closed. Later he used yellow. 

This is the first time he used the famous stairs without a railing.

The garden is a major feature of the house. I had actually been to it before. However, it wasn't until more recently that the interior of the house was open for tours.

The kitchen

Mr Ortega said this was designed by a Mexican architect. I can't recall the name, but it is heavily influenced by the Henry P Glass Swingline bookcase.

Here are the Henry P Glass Swingline pieces.

Source: ArchiTech Gallery

Table and chairs by Michael van Beuren.

That's my friend David. 

You can see the yellow wall of the Luis Barragan House and Studio peeking over on the right.

Learn  more about Casa Ortega, here.