Trapped between a narrow street and the remnants of the Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca Railroad, it required an act of imagination to envision the emergence of a graceful tower that would deftly adapt to the challenging terrain.
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Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780
Office Building (Built)
Firm
HEMAA
Architect/Designer
Santiago Hernández Matos
Design Team
Arq. Santiago Hernández Matos, Arq. Alejandra Tornel Cahue, Arq. José Miguel Fainsod Castro, Arq. José Pedro López González, Arq. Alonso Sánchez Toscano, Arq. Adriana Aguirre Becerra, Arq. Andrea Motilla Chávez, Arq. Daniela Parra Orozco, Arq. José Miguel Santivañez Gómez, Arq. Juan Octavio Ferreira, Ing. Mónica García Cruz, Arq. Patricio Salgado Rodríguez
Location
Ciudad de México, México
Country
México
Photographer/Copyright
©Rory Gardiner
Website
https://www.hemaa.mx/
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/hemaa_mx/?hl=en
Formally speaking, the building stands as the result of meticulous analysis and reinterpretation of classical architectural elements. It delves deep into the exploration of aesthetic proportions, incorporating golden ratios whenever possible. It manifests an understanding of steel, concrete, and glass construction in the realm of modern architecture, while remaining attentive to the specific conditions of the site. Its volumetric composition comprises a base, shaft, and capital, each unveiling its character through an array of modulations and window of varying sizes. Employing the structural facade as an astute solution, the design liberates the floors from any hindrances. Such a constructive approach generates modules that optimize interior space utilization and meticulously organize the facades.
The ground floor welcomes visitors with two symmetrical entrances on the northern and southern facades, facilitating a seamless flow of pedestrians while visually linking the street to the recently completed linear park situated along the railroad. Within its domain lie two parking cabins, assisted by a robotized pallet system, alongside two service cores that encompass elevators, staircases, bathrooms, and utilities. A commercial space destined for a neighborhood coffee shop with inviting terraces further enhances the ground floor. On the typical floors, the program simplifies, retaining only the essential service cores. On the 13th floor, the interior area recedes, allowing for a generously rooftop that grants panoramic views extending from the city’s skyline to Chapultepec Park. Below street level, one discovers storage rooms, cleaning and maintenance facilities, and spaces vital to the building’s seamless operation. A robotic parking system has been implemented, accommodating 126 parking spaces distributed across 13 levels. This solution arose from the restrictive site conditions and local norm requirements.
The materiality of steel serves as an evocative reminder of the area’s industrial past. Once peripheral, this district has undergone a remarkable rejuvenation, emerging as one of Mexico City’s most vibrant locales, boasting unparalleled cultural, economic, and infrastructural growth in recent years. Guided by the principles of rationality, order, and meticulous proportion, this project aspires to contribute to the urban fabric, becoming an integral part of its narrative.
In addition to its historical significance, the selection of steel as the main material for the building holds immense importance in addressing the unique challenges posed by the seismic regulations of Mexico City. As a seismically active region, the city’s building codes require structures to have robust systems capable of withstanding earthquake forces.
Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780 is a LEED certified building. Energy efficiency measures, such as insulation systems, high-efficiency lighting, and advanced HVAC systems, ensure optimal energy usage and reduced carbon emissions. Water conservation strategies, including rainwater harvesting and efficient plumbing fixtures, contribute to a significant reduction in water consumption. Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780 actively participates in the revitalization of the surrounding urban ecosystem. It embraces its responsibility towards public space, engaging in a compelling dialogue with its neighborhood. Consequently, a portion of the site has been dedicated not to additional construction but to expanding the public realm, fostering connectivity and facilitating circulation, connecting a highly densified and once estrangled street to the Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca Railroad linear park.