Ubicación:  La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
Cliente:  Grupo Habita
Superficie bruta:  3,625 m2
Fases:  Proyecto conceptual – proyecto ejecutivo
Diseño interior:  JAUNE
Paisajismo:  PAAR
Diseño de iluminación:  Luca Salas
Ingeniería de estructuras:  DECSA
Ingeniería de instalaciones:  TALLER2M
Construcción:  GRAVI
Supervisión de obra:  Luis Olachea Arquitectos
Fotografía de arquitectura:  César Béjar
Maqueta conceptual de acero:  Taller Tornel
Fotografía de maquetas:  Rodrigo Chapa

Ubicado en un hermoso predio sobre el malecón del centro histórico de La Paz, Baja Club es un hotel boutique de 32 habitaciones para Grupo Habita. Integrando lo nuevo con lo antiguo, el proyecto incluye la rehabilitación de una casona preexistente de estilo colonial de 1910, así como la construcción de una extensión nueva de cuatro pisos que contiene habitaciones, suites, un spa y un sunset bar en azotea. La nueva construcción retoma la planta en forma de L de la casona, resultando en un conjunto que enmarca libremente un patio central. La paleta de materiales del proyecto se inspira en los detalles originales de la propiedad, entre ellos losetas artesanales de terrazo y talavera, carpinterías y celosías de madera terminadas a mano y luminarias de vidrio soplado. La volumetría escalonada de la extensión reduce su impacto visual y proporciona generosas terrazas que disfrutan de vistas panorámicas de la Bahía de La Paz. Sutiles connotaciones náuticas, como las líneas horizontales de la nueva construcción y el uso de elementos de madera masivos en todo el proyecto, juegan con el contexto marítimo del hotel. La circulación vertical del edificio se resuelve mediante una generosa escalera helicoidal colocada en el punto de unión entre las dos alas del nuevo edificio. Las losas de concreto armado en voladizo prestan una ligereza visual al edificio y, a su vez, sirven como pasillos exteriores, balcones y elementos de sombreado pasivo que reducen la ganancia de calor solar y la dependencia del aire acondicionado artificial.

Ubicación:  Pfifferloh, Bavaria, Alemania
Superficie bruta:  250 m2
Fases:  Proyecto conceptual – licencias de construcción
Estado:  Construido
Proyecto ejecutivo y supervisión de obra:  Anja Eckert / Architekturbüro Stephan Wildgruber
Fotografía:  Florian Holzherr
Maqueta:  Enrique Salazar
Fotografía de maqueta:  Rodrigo Chapa

This project entails the extension to a heritage–listed Bavarian barn dating back to the 18th century. The client brief required that the original construction be upgraded into a fully functional country house. In close dialogue with the local heritage authorities, a strategy was developed to keep the original construction as intact as possible while accommodating complementary functions in a new low–slung volume which at first glance is perceived as a separate and autonomous building. Old and new building volumes are connected by a discrete transversal structure. The concept of a cluster of volumes growing incrementally over time draws from local agricultural building types and reads as a kind of ‘Hof’ or homestead. The aim was that the new build extension harmonizes pleasantly with the original construction through its choice of material and form while forgoing imitation or pastoral ornament. The resulting ensemble of building volumes shields itself from its immediate neighbours to the north, while at the same time opening itself southwards to the village core, alpine mountain range and afternoon sun. The extension was constructed on the basis of a timber post system set on a concrete basement foundation and finished with timber siding in accordance with the local vernacular. The low–pitched roof with its wide eaves is clad in naturally patinating copper.

Proyecto en sociedad con Josué Palma / uptac
Ubicación:  Colonia Juarez, Ciudad de México
Cliente:  Ricardo Porrero
Superficie bruta:  1,100 m2
Fases:  proyecto conceptual – proyecto ejecutivo
Estatus:  En desarrollo (proyecto ejecutivo)
Visualisación:  AUPA
Maquetas físicas:  Alberto Molina & Rubén Oliveros
Fotografía de maquetas:  Rodrigo Chapa

Desarrollo de uso mixto en la colonia Juárez de la Ciudad de México, diseñado para acomodar funciones de restaurantes, galerías de arte y oficinas.En nuestro esquema, una nueva construcción ligera de acero se asienta sobre dos casas unifamiliares restauradas de la década de 1930 para lograr la densidad y la diversidad espacial requeridas para el nuevo ciclo de vida de la propiedad.

Location:  Colonia Reforma Social, Mexico City
Client:  InHouse
Gross area:  4,140 m2
Phases:  Competition by invitation
Visualisation:  VIA & PAAR
Physical models:  Alberto Molina & Enrique Salazar
Model photography:  Rodrigo Chapa

Our competition proposal for this residential development in the colonia Reforma Social neighborhood of Mexico City envisions a staggered composition of slender building slabs in order to reduce visual bulk and optimize the 21 apartments’ views, natural lighting and cross ventilation.

Location:  Cieneguita, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico
Gross area:  220 m2
Phases:  Concept design – Construction documentation
Status:  Under construction (completion due 2020)
Interior design:  Ted Wolter / Wabi San Miguel de Allende
Photography:  Andres Carnalla
Physical model:  Enrique Salazar
Model photography:  Rodrigo Chapa

Located in the countryside outside of San Miguel de Allende this project in collaboration with interior designer Ted Wolter of Wabi SMA entails the adaptive reuse and extension of a modest adobe brick structure for its future use as a private home for a furniture and art dealer.

Project in partnership with Mateo Riestra & José Arnaud Bello
Location:  Colonia Roma, Mexico City
Client:  Galería OMR
Gross area:  550 m2
Phases:  Concept design – Construction supervision
Status:  Built
Photography:  Rory Gardiner

After 30 years in a turn-of-the-century Porfirian villa, the contemporary art gallery OMR decided to move to a new location. The design strategy was to preserve the existing brutalist building as much as possible, adjusting some interior details so as to bring out the character of the building and transform it into a generous exhibition space. A vertical one–story extension accommodates all back-of-house functions including a large multipurpose space, a library and offices. The result is a sober project that amplifies the character of the original building whilst preparing it for a new cultural life without resorting to the international conventions of the sterile white cube.

Size:  145 x 40 x 20cm
Physical model:  Enrique Salazar
Model photography:  Rodrigo Chapa

Our contribution to this collaborative piece initiated and curated by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio for the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennial recombined diverse patterns of vertical circulation in the form of a monolithic stair that transcends its simple function of connecting by generating a varied architectural promenade that encourages slow leisurely exploration and contemplation.

Tatiana Bilbao Estudio’s description of the collaborative piece: «Our proposal attempts to reconcile vertical urbanization within a tower typology capable of fostering a city’s civic character. Since cities are not the product of a singular vision, but patchworks of spatialized historical layers, the project attempts to emulate this process by subdividing the tower into 192 plots and collaborating with fourteen collaborators – each responsible for designing their own plot while maintaining a connection to neighboring sections. Each piece puts forth a vision for the design of the tower and the construction of a city, realizing a three-dimensional matrix of possibilities.»

Project in partnership with Ingrid von Werz
Location:  Colonia Polanco, Mexico City
Gross area:  310 m2
Phases:  Concept design – Construction documentation
Status:  Built
Photography:  Mauricio Guillén, with art direction by Beda Achermann

This project constitutes the extensive refurbishment of a full-story apartment in a building designed by the Russian–Mexican architect Vladimir Kaspé and completed in 1958. The tripartite staggering of the south–facing facade of the building makes room for generous exterior balconies that complement the interconnected dining and living room spaces. Our refurbishment includes a full and faithful restoration of the apartment‘s midcentury fittings and finishes, preserving the residence’s original spirit while bringing up to date the design and technical installations of the kitchen and bathrooms. Other interventions include elements and fixed furniture such as doors, windows, fireplace, planters, desk and shelving.

Project in partnership with RZERO
Location:  Colonia Centro, Mexico City
Client:  Coordinación General de Asuntos Internacionales
Gross area:  4,350m2
Phases:  Competition by invitation (2nd place)
Visualisation:  VIA / Antonio Espinoza Velasco
Physical model:  MEENT
Model photography:  Rodrigo Chapa

The “Feria Internacional de las Culturas Amigas” is an annual event that takes place on the main square of Mexico City dedicated to the dissemination of 94 countries’ customs and traditions. Our proposal for the architectural intervention of its 2017 edition envisages an ensemble of 6 pavilions that loosely frame a sequence of public spaces capable of absorbing and dispersing the 3.5 million visitors who attend the event in a time period of merely two weeks. By reconfiguring a standardised tent system used for temporary events, the project develops its own geometric vocabulary open to multiple readings such as zoomorphic forms similar to those occurring in the work of the artist Mathias Goeritz or the play of valleys and ridges and visual layering which occurs in the natural landscape of the valley of Mexico City.

Project in partnership with Luis Castellá
Location:  Colonia Cuajimalpa, Mexico City
Client:  Colegio Tomás Moro
Gross area:  7,040 m2
Phases:  Competition by invitation (2nd place)
Physical model:  Enrique Salazar
Model photography:  Rodrigo Chapa

Our 2015 proposal for a 7,040 m2 new-build extension for Colegio Tomás Moro, included drop–off, car park and sports facilities. A structural module inspired by the school’s «TM» monogram lends the scheme a strong visual identity while allowing for large structural spans.

Project in partnership with Carlos H Matos & Luis Orozco Madero
Location:  Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City
Client:  Museo Casa del Lago
Gross area:  1,300 m2
Phases:  Concept design
Concrete concept model:  Taller Tornel
Model photography:  Enrique Macias Martinez

This proposal was the response to an invitation by Casa del Lago to study possible futures for the central roundabout of the museum grounds arising from the proposal to relocate a statue of the exiled Spanish poet Leon Felipe. Questioning the central and prominent position of this monument, gifted at the time by the Mexican president Echeverría, the project seeks to propose an inverted monument: As a piece of landscape architecture reminiscent of land art, the intervention is articulated as a series of thirteen excavated and interconnected cylindrical spaces, giving shelter and creating a flexible stage which may be appropriated for a variety of uses such as poetry readings.

Project in partnership with Tatiana Bilbao Estudio
Location:  Bosque Chapultepec, Mexico City
Client:  Fideicomiso MUNET
Gross area:  38,600 m2
Phases:  Competition by invitation
Visualisation:  Albert De Franco
Physical model:  Taller Tornel
Model photography:  Rodrigo Chapa

Our proposal for the new MUNET museum (National Museum of Energy and Technology) envisions a cluster of loosely arranged building blocks connected by generous cantilevered exterior balconies. The volumes are furthermore grouped around three central courtyards, in reference to the three themes of the permanent exhibition; Energy in Nature, Petrol & Electricity and Sustainable Development. In section, the complex is organised over one basement level and three above grade levels.

Max von Werz had the opportunity to participate in 2014 in the production of this first architect’s monograph on his grandfather Helmut von Werz.

As one of the great architects of the reconstruction of Munich, Helmut von Werz left a lasting imprint on the city during his life. The spirit of post-war architecture is visible in the impressive body of work that he created with his partners Johann Christoph Ottow, Erhard Bachmann and Michel Marx; work which was defined by moderation and preservation, while remaining receptive to the influence of the avant-garde.

Several buildings designed by the firm were the object of controversy at their time due to their modernity and use of new materials. This was the case with the new building for the State Archaeological Collection in Munich, which was one of the first buildings to be realised with an envelope made of weathering Corten steel.

Helmut von Werz
Ein Architektenleben – An Architect’s Life 1912-1990
Edited by Cordula Rau & Georg von Werz
Published in 2014 by the publishing house Birkhäuser
Contemporary colour photography by Florian Holzherr and Rainer Viertlboeck
Graphic design by Heinz Hiltbrunner

Location:  Ytterby, Stockholm archipelago, Sweden
Gross area:  65 m2
Phases:  Concept design – Construction documentation
Status:  Built
Visualisation:  Albert De Franco
Physical Model: Enrique Salazar
Model photography:  Rodrigo Chapa

The project entails the refurbishment and energetic retrofitting of a boathouse from approximately 1900 in order to function as a guest house. Similar to a boat, numerous functions – reception, kitchen, living room, dining room, bathroom, study and 2 bedrooms – are accommodated in a highly efficient and compact manner over merely 65 m2 of floor area distributed over two floor levels. Panoramic windows provide views onto the water of the surrounding archipelago.

Project in partnership with Sam Jacoby, Charles Peronnin & Marco Sanchez Castro
Location:  Vienna, Austria
Client:  Europan
Gross area:  100,920 m2
Phases:  Competition
Visualisation:  Albert De Franco
Physical model:  Enrique Salazar
Model photography:  Rodrigo Chapa

The fundamental drive for suburban living is to find a balance between urban commodity and rural environment. Our design for this 10.7 acre site on the outskirts of Vienna establishes a planning framework that encourages the development of verdant open spaces. A network of buildings frame a series of interconnected courtyards that are available to residents for a variety of leisure uses.

Project in partnership with Pan Yi Cheng, Lim Keong Wee & Charles Peronnin
Location:  Walsall, United Kingdom
Client:  Urban Splash
Gross area:  21,000 m2
Phases:  Competition (shortlist & honorable mention)
Physical model:  Enrique Salazar
Model photography:  Rodrigo Chapa

This development proposal for the 2.3 acre parcel LEX hinges on the provision of a vibrant urban realm. This is achieved by saturating the plan with a multitude of low–rise shop–houses that simultaneously frame open spaces and service three proposed high–rise blocks. A buffer zone is created, progressively phasing out the hectic atmosphere of the main road, while attracting visitors through a succession of bustling public spaces culminating in a waterfront promenade.

Project in partnership with Serie Architects
Location:  Mayfair, London, United Kingdom
Client:  Sprüth Magers
Gross area:  325 m2
Phases:  Concept design – Construction supervision
Status:  Built
Photography courtesy of Sprüth Magers

An 18th century listed townhouse building with a fully glazed shop front was chosen as the new premises for the renowned contemporary German art gallery Sprueth Magers. Of particular interest was the site’s latent potential to challenge the conventions of the white cube typology. The open character of the gallery space was exploited to create a distinctive type of exhibition space that acts as an extension to the streetscape and conversely makes use of the city as a vivid backdrop for the blue chip art on show. Our 2007 project formed the phase 1 architectural intervention to this building. The gallery has since been further expanded to take up the entire building in a phase 2 refurbishment in 2017 by architect Andreas Lechthaler.