Casa Müller

Casa Müller: Reviving History in the Heart of Chihuahua

In the early 20th century, the Müller Stellmann couple commissioned the construction of a house whose walls would come to witness over a hundred years of sunsets. This house, a silent observer of Chihuahua's northern evolution, encapsulated the grandeur of a family that time had forgotten. Upon the death of its last heirs, the house sat in stasis, with furniture, lamps, books, and personal objects left intact as if awaiting their owners' return. But no one ever came back. Like many historic buildings in Chihuahua's city center, the house fell into disrepair. Its once-stunning ceilings sagged beneath makeshift cloth coverings, its checkerboard floors gathered dust, and its crimson facade dulled. Windows were vandalized, ceilings collapsed, and the house became a magnet for social issues.

Positioned at the intersection of 4th Street and José Esteban Coronado, just a stone's throw from the Gameros Mansion and aligned with the Chihuahua Metropolitan Cathedral, the house held significant architectural and urban importance. Recognizing this, Void Studio proposed a revitalization project aimed at resurrecting the house while respecting its original beauty and multiple construction phases.

Void Studio's mission was clear: rehabilitate the property to create a positive impact on the area. The owners granted them complete creative freedom to breathe new life into the abandoned house. Void Studio responded with a project that not only preserved but also adapted the original structure, integrating new functions while showcasing the house's historical elements.

Of the two original courtyards, only one would be preserved, around which three independent spaces would be organized: offices, a bakery, and a space dedicated to events—specifically, Sotol tastings. From the street, the central courtyard's view is partially obscured by the sculptural white angles of a staircase, a signature element of Void Studio. This staircase ascends to a terrace, revealing panoramic views of the surrounding domes. To accommodate these new functions, access and services were reconfigured.

As the project unfolded, the house's various architectural phases were revealed. The oldest structure featured traditional adobe in the mining style. An additional section with a French flair occupied the octagonal corner, likely from the Porfiriato era. In the 1940s, arched doors and windows with ornate ironwork were added. These layers of history were preserved and accentuated throughout the restoration.

In the bakery area, remnants of the original wallpaper, windows, and a unique checkerboard floor—designed and produced in Mr. Enrique Müller's terrazzo factory—were meticulously restored. Exposed brick fragments and marks from the cloth ceiling supports were intentionally left visible to honor the passage of time. The beam system was preserved, though none of the original ceilings could be saved. The walls were maintained and reinforced with coffered ceilings to minimize weight. Adobe walls were either sealed for protection or covered with Tablaroca walls, allowing the original structure to breathe.

In the office space, a second wall layer does not reach the ceiling and is highlighted with a line of light that accentuates the old textures. The new Sotol tasting room features a distinctly different architecture, designed for flexibility to host various events. This space includes a small room with a bar and kitchen facilities, constructed with a roof of beams, plywood, and sheet metal, and three of its four sides are made of ironwork with glass. Two of these sides serve as windows overlooking the original adobe walls.

In terms of finishes, Void Studio sought harmony with the existing elements. Original features were preserved and exposed. Kimiplaster by Kimikolor, a specialized stucco with neutral tones and textures, was applied to some walls. The flooring palette included travertine marble indoors, and natural stone, gravel, and reclaimed quarry stone outdoors. The facade and central courtyard surfaces were painted white to reflect the intense sunlight, drawing on traditional knowledge to reduce heat.

Beyond its architectural merits, Casa Müller is designed to have a positive social impact on Chihuahua. While the work was confined to the house, its effects ripple outward. The proposal for diverse uses attracts new populations and breathes life into a neighborhood that, like the house itself, had been overlooked. Spaces like the bakery and event area encourage the community to reclaim the property and fall in love with the historic center once more.

The restoration of Casa Müller serves as an inspiration for neighboring property owners to recognize the architectural, commercial, and social value of their buildings, potentially leading to further revitalization efforts in the area. Through its thoughtful design and community focus, Void Studio's project promises not just to restore a house, but to rekindle a sense of pride and appreciation for Chihuahua's rich architectural heritage.