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Green Architecture 2022

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Bajío 307 | 2021


Bajío 307 | 2021
Bajío 307 | 2021

México

Architects: BRAG arquitectos
Client: Private


Bajío 307 | 2021
Bajío 307 | 2021
Bajío 307 | 2021

Project Description

BAJÍO 307 is a residential complex with 82 apartments on a property that merges different lots. The main challenge was an early-20th-century house classified by the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) as of artistic value located on one of them. It was restored and now houses access and common areas: lobby, cafeteria, gym, business center, roof garden, etc.

A corridor connects the house, two volumes of apartments, and recreational areas: patios, pool area, and gardens.

Vertical circulation communicates semi-basement parking level. The house was originally a school so, for restoration, drywall divisions and plaster covering were removed, wooden windows and blacksmith railings were restored. Removed panels revealed the Catalan vaulted ceiling.

In the central courtyard, paste floors were preserved, and a water mirror was added with a green wall and artwork. On the ground floor, a studio workshop for artists was set up.

The apartments are distributed among seven levels. Those on the ground and top floor are double-heighted.

The firm wanted to generate a green footprint in the middle of the urbanized downtown area; for this reason, there are green areas on the ground floor, rooftops, and 9,200 m2 of green walls. 60% of the property was allocated to free areas (instead of regulatory 20%).

Resistant species were selected, adapted to sun and shade conditions of the complex that consume little water. Green walls were designed to strategically generate natural lighting and ventilation inside apartments. 65,000 plants incorporated annually generate oxygen for 2,400 people and filter 125,350 kg of CO2, among other benefits to the environment.

All existing trees were respected and 50 new specimens were added. For the maintenance of vegetation, a rain catchment system (104,000 liters) was implemented with filtration and programmed irrigation, supervised by a biologist.

Water-saving furniture were used throughout the complex. Regarding energy, LED lighting was implemented in departments.

Towers are oriented east-west direction, which allows for the greatest solar capture without increasing heat inside. The Lutron system, programmed to respond to sunrise and sunset, represents a significant reduction in power consumption.

Every year, parameters are evaluated to optimize automation. Technologies that make the complex self-sustainable reduce the pressure exerted on the area in the provision of water and energy.

BAJÍO 307 symbolizes a new way of building in Mexico City. Represents the possibility of improving the environment and city, generously integrating green spaces and pieces of history. Among the dense urbanization, it generates a landmark of heritage and greenery, a lung for the city.