Mar Mediterraneo 34

Housing Units for Inca Hernandez

Mar Mediterraneo 34 emerges as a strategy to give a second life to an eclectic style house in advance deterioration built in 1910. Multiple artistic and artisanal elements were recovered from the main facade. The main patio is reconstructed as a reinterpretation of the past, portraying the arrangement of the old portals as a sequence of light and shadow, these openings rise intermittently in double height from a volcanic stone baseboard and become a solid element of introspective architecture. The restored house has 3 levels with 7 apartments that adapt to different spaces.

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Mar Mediterraneo 34 Housing Units Press Releases

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Mar Mediterraneo 34 Housing Units Media Articles

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Unique Properties

Mar Mediterraneo 34 emerges as a strategy to recover the historical and architectural heritage, conceived as the rebirth of a vestige in a new time, which reinterprets the past to the current historical context with the intention of generating a new life for the urban image and protecting the value from the magical neighborhood of Tacuba.

Tags

Restoration, Renovation, Mexico City, Tacuba, Mar Mediterraneo 34, Historic house, Apartments, Housing Units.

Production Technology

• An analysis of the urban and historical background was carried out, as well as the degree of deterioration and potentialities. • The non-original elements were eliminated, the authentic artisan elements were respected to give them a new opportunity. • The old wall coverings were removed and the walls were reinforced, the stairs to the second floor needed to be rebuilt as they had collapsed. • The main facade and all its frontal composition were in advanced deterioration. The windows and balconies that had been closed were reopened, also the original handcrafted elements were polished and renovated such as the quarry of the lintels, cornices and mansards. The iron railings were restored, the windows and gates were also renovated allowing a view to the urban space on the street. • In the upper part of the main facade, the glass tiles on the mansard roof were restored, the collapsed dome was also rebuilt applying a new materiality in order to avoid generating a false homogeneity. • The floors were weak in their structure; therefore they were reinforced using metal beams and new plaster. Due to the advanced deterioration of the floor, new mosaics were applied, including wood type ceramics to generate the lost warmth. • The main patio and the back of the building were in ruins, much of the materials were reused and recycled to generate a new contemporary image while maintaining the continuity of the characteristics of the past. The different levels of the new architectural image were structured with concrete embedded beams and reinforced self-supporting walls. • All the electrical, sanitary and water installations were redone for the new functionality to adapt to each of the units. • The interior doors and windows were renewed using glass and aluminum frames, inside of the units adapted wooden doors were used. • The concept of double heights and large windows was maintained with the intention of generating a reinterpretation from the past. Considering spatial dimensions, reinforced mezzanines in metal structure and wooden floors were used to generate comfortable loft type units. • Lighting is warm-light, energy efficient LED.

Design Challenge

The house holds historical value for the two main history institutes in Mexico. The building was in a very advanced deterioration, representing a major security risk for the restorative work. Besides, the inhabitants of the magical neighborhood of Tacuba have nostalgic feelings about the house, being a prominent icon in their memory. We have a huge responsibility as young architects, builders and restorers to protect the historical heritage of our cities for new generations, that is why Mar Mediterraneo 34 can be an example of recovery for the neighborhood and a small piece in regenerating sustainable spaces to prevail in the collective history.

Project Duration

October 2017 - January 2020. Tacuba, Mexico City, Mexico.

Operation Flow

The project will change over time. Materiality evolves and ages together with the people who inhabit it. It will become their home where new experiences and anecdotes will take place and this is an element of its natural beauty. The project will also inspire the cultural and architectural revival of the neighborhood.

Research

The process to generate the project was consolidated by an exhaustive historical investigation about its different uses and inhabitants. An analysis of photographic files, manuscripts and anecdotes from neighbors who have witnessed its transformation over time was carried. The design was planned with the intention to protect the artisan details and to avoid creating a false homogeneity in the essence of the building.

Inspiration

The concept was based on the idea that the essence of a ruin never dies, a building is mutable and can take different forms in order to come back to life and generate a new cycle. The building is part of the neighborhood's historical setting and is highlighted as part of the transformation of the urban context that still prevails in it.

Image Credits

Joao Morgado - Architecture Photography

Project Overview

Mar Mediterraneo 34 Housing Units has been a Silver winner in the Cultural Heritage and Culture Industry Design award category in the year 2020 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Inca Hernandez was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2021, a testament to excellence of their work Mar Mediterraneo 34 Housing Units.

Inca Hernandez Press Releases

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Mar Mediterraneo 34: A Historic House Reborn in Mexico City

Architect Inca Hernandez Revives a 1910 Eclectic Style House in Tacuba

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