Casa Del Horno

Casa Del Horno
©Fernando Alda

CASA DEL HORNO

Femur arquitectura

PHOTOS
Fernando Alda

AREA
10,000 sqft - 25,000 sqft

YEAR
2011

LOCATION
Panama City, Panama

TYPE
Hospitality + Sport › Hotel Residential › Apartment

The project consists of intervening the remains of a house from 1850 in order to create an 8-unit boutique hotel. 

The property is located in the old core of Panama City and formerly was the town’s bakery. Hence its name: Casa del Horno.

Casa Del Horno
©Fernando Alda
Casa Del Horno
©Fernando Alda
Casa Del Horno
©Fernando Alda

The design process is mainly driven by the concern of achieving a clear distinction between added elements and the existing ruin.

This resulted in a new metal structure inserted within the old stone walls and supporting all 3 new levels of the building.

Besides the walls, one of the remaining existing elements is the base of the original staircase.

Casa Del Horno
©Fernando Alda
Casa Del Horno
©Fernando Alda
Casa Del Horno
©Fernando Alda

Double-arched stone support is left intact while the new stair was placed floating over it.This base is also intersected by a metal column, materializing the design intention.

For interior partitions, a contemporary language is derived from traditional tropical architectural details.

It mainly consists of fixed or movable wood panels and louvers that divide the spaces while offering adjustable possibilities of lighting, ventilation and privacy.

Casa Del Horno
©Fernando Alda
Casa Del Horno
©Fernando Alda

Furniture is also integrated within some of the interior divisions.The larger units include a 2 level wood piece that acts as closet and desk on the first level and a TV stand and railing on the second.

The building has 8 apartment-style units, a reception, a restaurant and a coffee shop.

Casa Del Horno
©Fernando Alda
Casa Del Horno
©Fernando Alda
Casa Del Horno
©Fernando Alda