Plumbago
Mexican Architecture studio, Oficina de Práctica Arquitectónica has completed Plumbago, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and cultural venue located in the vibrant Cuauhtémoc neighborhood of Mexico City.
Set in a compact infill plot within one of the capital’s most vibrant culinary districts, Plumbago’s minimalist design uses a carefully curated selection of raw materials and precise construction techniques to bring texture and invite natural light into a simple and welcoming open space.
The small, former derelict site sits in between two high rise buildings just feet away from busy Reforma Avenue, the city’s financial district. The new venue provides a human scale, contrasting with the adjacent corporate feel of the nearby buildings and is composed of two main spaces enclosed by parallel pitched-roof volumes that vary in size and materiality. The larger, transparent structure made from corrugated polycarbonate sheet contains the main dining area and bar, which can accommodate up to 70 guests, while the smaller enclosed shed houses the private kitchen and service areas is made from Pintro sheet.
Plumbago provides an understated yet sophisticated backdrop for the restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired menu, which prioritises the use of fresh, locally sourced produce.
Drawing inspiration from the comfort of traditional suburban Mexican houses, the dining space aims to create a domestic and comfortable setting filled with natural light and vegetation to create a garden oasis inside. The space becomes an urban greenhouse in both shape and materiality.
The open-plan layout encourages free circulation and links the dining area to a rear terrace, ensuring cross-ventilation and a seamless connection with the outdoors. This versatility aligns with the client’s vision, as the restaurant offering also features a cultural programme of exhibitions and live music performances.
The walls are made from brick in different treatments, and assembled using local crafting techniques to provide texture and dimension to the otherwise muted atmosphere.
The earthy tones of the brick contrast with the exposed steel structure, finished in ochre hues. A striking geometric planter bridges the indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the venue’s connection with nature.
The furnishings, crafted from wood and steel, mirror the materials used throughout the space, reinforcing a cohesive aesthetic.
Plumbago celebrates culinary artistry and cultural expression, offering an elegant and approachable environment in the heart of Mexico City.
