This project started out with
instructions from the client
to give the building a more
organic form, and thus the
curving wall forms were
integrated into a compact
plan on a narrow site.
Additionally the desire was
to evoke the spirit of older,
classical adobe pueblo
elements. A key part of
realizing this came from the
use of recycled doors and
windows, rescued from turn
of the century buildings of
Buenos Aires. The walls are
of a hollow clay brick that
economically provides a
thicker wall detail and
increases thermal efficiency.
the higher ceiling with
operable clerestory
windows allows for good
cooling in this dry warm
climate where temperatures
can surpass 100° in the
summer months. The front
patio and a more secluded
rear garden space provides
exterior dining opportunities
into the mild fall and spring
along with the occaisional
warm winter afternoons. A
rigorous simplicity of plan
coupled with a high
attention to detail has
provided Merlo with one of
it’s newest and most sought
after restaurants- a place to
sit and enjoy good food,
wine and great architecture!
