PEDRE, designed by JSa and MTA+V, is an architectural project located near the Pedregal de San Ángel Ecological Reserve in Mexico City. It integrates modernist design with ecological sensitivity, drawing inspiration from the modernist architecture of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the industrial past of the San Ángel and Loreto neighborhoods. By addressing the area’s environmental, cultural, and industrial heritage, PEDRE balances urban density with ecological stewardship, resulting in a thoughtfully designed urban complex that respects its context and enhances its surroundings.
PEDRE Apartments Technical Information
- Architects1-3: JSa and MTA+V
- Location: Vicinity of the Pedregal de San Ángel Ecological Reserve, Mexico City, Mexico
- Area: 47,000 m2 | 505,903 Sq. Ft.
- Year of Completion: 2022
- Photographs: © Rafael Gamo
PEDRE embodies the harmonious assembly of an architecture which folds compose functional structures, solid constructions, optimal materials, interiors that become exteriors, custom-made furniture, and landscape panoramic views that dialogue with the territory.
– JSa and MTA+V Architects
PEDRE Apartments Photographs
Architectural Design: Balance Between Form, Function, and Context
PEDRE’s design is a study of contrast and harmony. Its morphology features dynamic folds, insets, undulations, and a careful interplay of curves and vertical structures, creating a visually engaging and contextually responsive form. The radial core acts as the project’s spatial backbone, providing structural stability and a central organizational principle for the building.
Spread across 14 floors, the project includes 112 apartments in 18 different typologies, ranging from 90 to 300 square meters. This diversity of housing solutions reflects a thoughtful approach to functional and aesthetic considerations, catering to a wide range of residents while ensuring the building’s rhythm, proportion, and scale align with its surroundings.
Material choices, including exposed concrete, aluminum, and glass, embody a commitment to simplicity and elegance. These materials, paired with a stone basement and endemic vegetation, root the project firmly in its natural and cultural context. The integration of open spaces, recreational areas, and lobbies ensures a balance between the built and permeable areas, with 30% of the site dedicated to fostering a sense of openness and community.
PEDRE Apartments Environmental and Urban Responsiveness
PEDRE’s design extends beyond aesthetics to prioritize environmental integration and urban harmony. Situated near an ecological reserve, the project leverages its proximity to natural resources by incorporating stone and endemic vegetation, seamlessly blending with its surroundings.
The project’s layout emphasizes sustainability through its attention to density, circulation, and public accessibility. The carefully planned open spaces, lobbies, and public areas create a sense of continuity between the private and public realms, contributing to the collective memory and cultural identity of the region.
PEDRE’s urban responsiveness is further reflected in its design of access points, sidewalks, and recreational spaces that cater to the surrounding community. By respecting the history of El Pedregal and embracing the industrial, artistic, and cultural heritage of the area, PEDRE establishes a thoughtful dialogue with its environment.
Beyond the Built Form
PEDRE transcends its physical form: its design fulfills functional and aesthetic demands and reflects a deep respect for its regional context. By synthesizing modernist principles with ecological consciousness, PEDRE achieves a delicate balance that challenges conventional approaches to urban development.
The project’s architectural identity is emblematic, embodying meanings and signifiers beyond the tangible. Integrating natural materials and the thoughtful interplay between solids and openings contribute to a sober yet striking presence in the urban landscape.
Despite the challenges of balancing density with environmental stewardship, PEDRE innovates through its sustainable design approach and contextual integration. The project’s careful attention to proportion, rhythm, and materiality ensures it remains a respectful and transformative addition to Mexico City’s architectural legacy.
PEDRE Plans
PEDRE Image Gallery
About JSa and MTA+V
JSa and MTA+V are architecture studios based in Mexico that are recognized for their designs that integrate modernist principles with ecological and cultural sensitivity. JSa, led by Javier Sánchez, focuses on urbanism and housing projects that harmonize with historical and environmental contexts. MTA+V, founded by Miguel de La Torre, brings expertise in contemporary aesthetics and sustainable design. Their collaboration on projects like PEDRE reflects an approach to architecture that balances functionality with cultural and environmental considerations.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Building Height: 14 floors
- Number of Units: 112 apartments with 18 typologies (sizes ranging from 90 m² to 300 m²)
- Open Space Allocation: 30% of the area dedicated to open spaces, lobbies, and recreational areas
