How to make the best use of the urban and architectural heritage that has been passed on through history in Mexico City to generate inclusive and connective spaces that allow members of society to live in a prosperous and harmonious environment?

Dr. Atl 285 was built in the late ’60s. It is located in the neighborhood of Santa Maria la Ribera. This building exemplifies the proper exploitation of heritage under the premise of bringing benefits to the population and the environment while preserving and rescuing cultural legacy. The area where it is located is undergoing a densification process, and due to its proximity to the city center, it holds a historical character that has attracted a young population that intends to live near cultural and economic centers.

The building was designed based on a reticular structure of reinforced concrete beams and columns, due to its previous industrial vocation, creating diaphanous spaces without dividing walls.

A configuration system was proposed to take advantage of the geometry in the existing structure, relying on placing cubic elements of wood to provide private areas and also to generate a modular design that could be replicated according to the different programs, sizes, and configurations in order to meet the market’s needs.

The original building’s use also implied a challenge for the design and location of circulations, which were placed on the backyard patio, using a permeable construction system that allows natural light to pass through. With a triangular geometry for balconies and the corridor system’s replica, it was possible to preserve the original façade profile without affecting the apartments’ lighting.

The biggest challenge for Dr. Atl 285 was integrating its inhabitants within the social tissue of the neighborhood. The use of outdoor spaces, such as patios and the rooftop, created common areas that encourage coexistence. Furthermore, it improved the user experience while adding architectural value and promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. The roof garden is used as an urban garden. It produces food for all users while causing a social connection among all the neighbors.

A water treatment plant was placed under the old courtyard to eliminate drainage discharges. It recirculates 100% of the water used. On top, a tree garden welcomes users creating the feeling of a park, regenerating the air quality of the entire building.

The project aims to demonstrate the adaptability of architecture in the existing resources, the regenerative potential of the city, and the ability to generate sustainable projects nowadays. All this to preserve the cultural and architectural heritage through the restoration of these constructions and projects, not only to maintain the presence of each neighborhood but also to reduce the environmental impact of real estate development.

This vision and circumstances made the project evolve into a much more sustainable version of itself than was originally expected. A water treatment plant that helps save up to 45% of water, a tree garden on the ground floor and a vegetable garden on the roof, combined with the rest of the strategies involved, make Dr. Atl 285 excel in terms of sustainability, turning it into an outstanding example among projects of its kind.

Alfonso Quiñones – BAAQ´

The post Dr. Atl 285 was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

In 2017, the townhouse owners contacted Montreal architect Guillaume Lévesque for a unique renovation project. They wanted to transform an old 1880s duplex into a multi-unit and harmonize the original style of the building with a decidedly contemporary and uncluttered addition.

Restoring a 19th-century house while retaining the heritage and creating a contemporary addition is quite a challenge. The Ville-Marie borough required that the existing building be preserved and restored. A challenge that the team of architects, accompanied by tinsmith craftsmen, cabinet makers, and masons, has successfully taken up.

The original 60m2 building has been fully restored and converted into two apartments: a two-floor 4 ½ and a 3 ½ on the second floor.

Both apartments have an open plan with abundant fenestration with large 3.65m high side windows carved into the brick wall. The attic has been completely covered with new slate tiles. The dormers and woodworking have been completely rebuilt.

 A 180m2 contemporary addition on three levels was also built at the back of the building. The basement includes a double garage with concealed door and storage rooms. The living room on the ground floor opens through large sliding doors onto a 4m x 12m outdoor terrace. It covers the driveway to the garage in the basement and offers a magnificent space for a dining room and sunny outdoor living room. The second floor contains the master bedroom, two bathrooms, and a living room which can also be a guest bedroom.

The addition includes large openings providing all interior spaces with a considerable amount of natural light. A sober facing of black metal panels covers the contemporary addition and gives the whole a neat finish.

Guillaume Lévesque

The post Alexandre-de-Sève Town House was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.

For a private investor, Firm converted a 215 square meter part of this 120-year-old Warehouse on one of the busiest harbors in the Port of Rotterdam. The poorly lit space combined with a north-facing facade with just a few windows meant the owner needed to be visionary, to perceive a bright and well usable office space. It is this capacity, combined with the architectural aspirations and the open mind of the investor, a strong collaboration with the architects was established and a thoughtful design was produced.

The architects started their architectural task by researching the maximum number and size of possible new openings in the façade, all in close contact with the Monuments’ Committee of the Municipality. After securing the right to open-up the old window openings in the facade and add new windows and doors, the possibility to create a well-lit space was conceived. To further enhance this, Firm architects decided to disconnect the new interior from the old walls. This appearance of the design is somewhat subtracted from the original shell, the old brick walls has a dual purpose; it creates architectural contrast and it ensures the minimal north-facing daylight to flow in across both levels as the architects bridged the half meter between the interior and the outer wall with a glass floor over the full width of the facade. Furthermore, they added mirrors on the walls on both levels to enhance this effect.

In the interior, the design principle of subtracting the new from the old creates an enriched dialogue between the original building and its novice function. This is strengthened by technical material usage in the new interior such as aluminum wall paneling and a stainless steel kitchen. The wood paneling forms a volume embracing the large central void and ensuring a perfect acoustic for an office.

Firm Architects

Studio de Nooyer

The post Converted Warehouse was originally published on ek magazine | Architectural Publications | ek magazine – Architectural Publications.