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Architects: Gabriel Beas Arquitectura
- Area: 1095 m²
- Year: 2019
BNS Corporate Building / Gabriel Beas Arquitectura
Zoncuantla Apartments / RP Arquitectos
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Architects: RP Arquitectos
- Area: 450 m²
- Year: 2020
The Rustic Beauty of the Chukum in Modern Mexican Architecture
In Yucatan, architects are reviving an ancient Mayan stucco technique for contemporary buildings, merging modern architecture with regional history and culture. The technique is called “chukum,” a term derived from the colloquial name for the Havardia albicans tree native to Mexico. Made with chukum tree bark, the material has several defining qualities that separate it from traditional stucco, including impermeable properties and a natural earthy color. Though chukum initially fell out of use following Spanish conquest of the Maya civilization, it was rediscovered and reemployed by Salvador Reyes Rios of the architecture firm Reyes Rios + Larrain Arquitectos in the late 1990’s, initiating a resurgence of use in the area.
Houses with Side Patios: Bountiful Natural Light and Ventilation
Patios and gardens play a crucial role in a project's planning and layout. In some instances, they serve as organizing elements while in others, they improve the quality of life in a space by providing light, ventilation, and a connection to the outdoors while maintaining the privacy of the inhabitants.
The Colors of Brick
Brick is one of the most popular materials for architects designing with a vintage or rustic aesthetic: exposed brick walls are often touted as highly desirable for apartments, restaurants, and stores, and exterior brick facades can make a building or home feel warmer and more inviting. However, the color and cut of the brick can greatly influence the atmosphere it emanates, with white brick lending itself to more minimalist design and tan brick tending to feel more rustic and earthy. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular brick colors, ways to artificially color brick, and recent projects that use brick facades or interior brick elements effectively.
Boys and Girls Club / CCA Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica
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Architects: CCA Centro de Colaboración Arquitectónica
- Area: 3500 m²
- Year: 2018
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Manufacturers: Cemex, Grupos Vallas, Interceramic, Pintex, Rotoplas, +1
Bezares Apartment / Taller ADG + Micaela de Bernardi
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Architects: Micaela de Bernardi, Taller ADG
- Area: 7028 ft²
- Year: 2017
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Manufacturers: Acor, AutoCAD, Grupo Arca, Listone Giordano, Molteni & C, +1
La Escondida Apartments / Francisco Pardo Arquitecto
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Architects: Francisco Pardo Arquitecto
- Area: 8310 m²
- Year: 2020
Rivera House / Taller de Arquitectura Miguel Montor
Glamorous Glass Bricks Are Booming – Again
In 1977, a New York Times article by Carter B. Horsley proclaimed that “Glamorous Glass Bricks Are Booming:” once a “less than first-class” material, it was beginning to gain acceptance among architects in residential and restaurant projects for its translucence, privacy, visual interest, and sense of order. However, following the industry’s brief but widespread use of glass bricks, many now associate the material with outdated 80’s architectural styles, an aesthetic that few seem interested in reviving. Yet pioneering contemporary architects have begun using this unique material in new and distinctly modern ways, whether for sleek and minimalist bathrooms, industrial bars and restaurants, vintage residential windows, or even experimental urban facades. As Horsley stated, it appears that glamorous glass bricks are booming – again.
Bautista House / PRODUCTORA
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Architects: PRODUCTORA
- Area: 280 m²
- Year: 2019
Maria Montessori Mazatlán School / EPArquitectos + Estudio Macías Peredo
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Architects: EPArquitectos, Estudio Macías Peredo
- Area: 2100 m²
- Year: 2016
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Manufacturers: Novaceramic, PVA, Pacific Cast Concrete
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Professionals: CEROMOTION
Conservatory / Lorenzo Alvarez Arquitectos
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Architects: Lorenzo Alvarez Arquitectos
- Year: 2014
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Manufacturers: Comex
Division del Norte Building / Iconico
Architecture in Mexico: Exploring Houses to Understand the Territory of Mérida
The city of Merida –capital of the Yucatan state in Mexico– is a region that has experienced a rise in architectural development in recent years due to the emerging talent that has made a name for itself with national awards and biennial proposals throughout the country. Due to Merida's tropical climate, the architecture on this site corresponds to specific geographical conditions that make it one of the most visited destinations in the world.