Tori Tori Altavista, located in the residential area of Polanco in Mexico City, the restaurant Tori-Tori, one of the city’s premier Japanese establishments, has invested on its success and moved into a larger building.
Courtesy of Rojkind Arquitectos. Image © Jaime Navarro
The architects Rojkind Arquitectos and Esrawe Studio observed that in this area, which is itself quickly transforming as zoning laws change, new establishments can be found to pop up with no more notice or advertisement than a small sign appearing one day over a door- the insides being completely altered, but from outside, the same buildings that had always been there, were still there. Wanting to avoid this, the remodel transformed not only the new building, but also its face to the outside world.
Courtesy of Rojkind Arquitectos. Image © Jaime Navarro
Wrapping the new building are two layers of self-supporting steel matrices which have been cut using CNC technology and hand formed to final, exact specifications. These steel ivy announce to the world that something new has replaced the old. At Rojkind Arquitectos we are very rigorous about experimenting with digital design as well as getting things built,
Courtesy of Rojkind Arquitectos. Image © Jaime Navarro
‘ says Michel Rojkind,’That’s why we have specially focused on how to translate complex geometries into very simple and understandable drawings that benefit from local manufacturing, as is the case of working in Mexico City.’ Inside the remodeled building, everything recognizable from the old residence has been stripped and replaced with a new conglomeration of open spaces, sake bar, terraces, even the restaurant’s own temple.
Courtesy of Rojkind Arquitectos. Image © Jaime Navarro
Each room has its own individual character specifically designed to fit the room’s function. Similarly, all furniture and furnishings are inspired by Tori-Tori and unique to the establishment. Héctor Esrawe of ESRAWE Studio states that ‘We seek in the project a chance for the users to link with the different ambiances and choose their favorites. Each space’s materials, setup and characteristics towards the furniture generate a wide spectrum of options and sensations for its assiduous clients.
Project info:
Architects: Esrawe Studio, Rojkind Arquitectos
Country: Mexico, Ciudad de México
Area: 458 m²
Year: 2014
Photographs: Jaime Navarro
Manufacturers: Bolyü, Casa Lux, Casa Planas, Disemo, Maderas Finas, Quadratto, Vescom
Builder: Constructora ZD+A
Team Michel Rojkind: Salvador Cortéz, Jorge Cesár Gonzalez, Victor Manuel Velazquez, Cynthia Ponce, Julieta Inclán, Pablo Herrera, Fernanda Casar, Andrea León, Beatriz Zavala, Lorena Garcia Cordero-Sasía, Dinorah Martínez Schulte.
Team Héctor Esrawe: Jan Müller, Rodrigo López, Israel Dorantes.
Client: Private
Program: Japanese Restaurant
Matt Davis is a Virginia Tech graduate and one of the founding editors behind Arch2O. Launching the platform in mid‑2012 alongside fellow Hokies, he helped shape its identity as an international hub for design innovation and critical dialogue . With a foundation in architectural education and a passion for uncovering unconventional design approaches, Matt has contributed significantly—both editorially and strategically—to Arch2O’s growth, ensuring that emerging architects, academics, and creatives have a space to question, explore, and elevate the built environment.