marc pascal brings a desert-like vibe to a rooftop terrace in mexico

ROMA Rooftop by marc pascal

with ochre tones and lush vegetation, architect marc pascal has transformed an existing rooftop in mexico city into a serene terrace. named after the city’s roma neighborhood in which it is located, the project provides an 84 sqm semi-outdoor living space for an apartment in an existing residential building. designed to be ‘timeless’, the project features bespoke furniture and materials that will weather gracefully over time.

the clay planters and rusty finish on the walls create a cozy desert-like environment

the L-shaped ROMA rooftop is composed of two main spaces: a slim access corridor and a spacious outdoor living room at the end. the first space gives continuity to the roof access and establishes a sense of privacy thanks to large walls. envisioned as an ‘urban ruin’, these walls were covered with a mix of paints and pigments to achieve a rusty finish as part of the architect‘s design strategy to use low-maintenance materials and finishes that will age well and resist inclement weather. this space is also populated by clay pots and plant life, setting the scene for the desert-like environment.

the corridor space is also populated by a number of clay planters and plant pots, setting the scene for the desert-like environment. at the end of the corridor, the second space is discovered as a semi-outdoor living room, featuring a modular metallic structure clad in a charred timber roof.

the client is a collector of plants, and most were selected by himself, with the architect’s and landscaper’s advice

underneath the black roof, the space affords various functions including a contemplative garden, workspace, and lounge area. the rooftop features objects that were designed and manufactured in-house, such as a cast concrete counter and a suspended wood-burning stove made from rusted steel. these elements are bolstered by mid-century furniture and art, which were selected in collaboration with the client.

down the terrace, an accent wall with a bluish-ochre gradient pigment contrasts with the sepia tones that characterize the project. on the other side, the slim metal columns of the roof structure generate natural frames and offers interesting views over the city’s skyline.

a bluish-ochre wall at the end of the terrace contrasts with the sepia tones

the rooftop features a cast concrete counter and a suspended wood burning stove made from rusted steel

a metal frame clad with charred timber covers the terrace

mid-century furniture and art pieces were selected by the architect and the client

the access to the main terrace, filled with greenery

project info:

name: ROMA rooftop

location: mexico city, mexico
architecture firm: marc pascal ODA
lead architect: marc pascal pontón
collaborator: carlos resendíz (1st stage)
landscape: aldaba jardines / thalía davidoff

built area: 84 sqm

year: 2020
photography: camila cossio, maureen evans

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom