This building is an example of how a low-scale construction can be beneficial for the city while respecting the historical context. It represents a commitment to vertical housing that does not harm local dynamics and atmospheres, but also integrates organically and honestly with its time while adhering to the pre-existing structure.
The choice of materials mirrors the region's construction history. Exposed concrete, which has been used in Monterrey for over 100 years, is a crucial part of the structure. The brick, also local to the region, was used as a space separator to create a flexible "skin" with thermal properties. The decision to leave exposed materials demonstrates honesty with the construction methods, providing the building with a sense of warmth and relatable spaces.
Additionally, the design inherits passive sustainable criteria from vernacular Northeastern Mexican architecture, including high ceilings, interior courtyards, and proper orientation, that enhances air circulation inside the building creating comfortable spaces with low use of air conditioning. The interior design is versatile allowing future adaptation of different uses favoring spatial flexibility.
The concrete structure recalls the basic principles of modernism while seamlessly integrating with the 1939 construction, which serves as a point of contact with the public. The first room and its facade bear witness to the austere yet enduring society that preceded us and will now generate a vibrant relationship with new generations. The project is a juxtaposition of eras and materials, simultaneously serving as a testament to how the present can coexist respectfully with the past.