a concrete lattice clads a modular office in mexico designed by morari arquitectura + JAA

in the mexican city of morelia, a collaboration between morari arquitectura + JAA saw the realization of dunza headquarters. despite the limited budget and resources, the architects designed an office building that maximizes natural light and space. 

defined as a sober light box, the building respects the site’s conditions

all images © adrián llaguno / documentación arquitectónica

built on high ground and orientated north to south, the office takes advantage of the views below and the movement of the sun. the building is supported on the ground by a steel structure, which kept earthworks to a minimum, reducing costs and, above all, respecting its immediate context. cladding the steel frame is precast concrete and lattice slabs, which have been employed by morari arquitectura and JAA to bring in natural light while expressing an honest materiality.

a concrete lattice filters the light and the views to the immediate context

the project is divided into a grid of three longitudinal blocks, which contain and order the different functions of the program: the first comprises complementary services, the second corresponds to the working area and the third houses a social area that takes the shape of a large terrace. this living space is surrounded by a concrete lattice on its south-east façade, filtering the morning light and illuminating the terrace and the lobby in amber tones, which is dominated by a marble front-desk that welcomes the visitor. past the reception is a large central workspace, where open plan desks are bathed in beautiful diffused light. in the bottom level, the management area is located, where the north orientation affords large openings that generate interesting panoramic views.

the building takes advantage of views and natural light

the concept of efficiency that runs through the project is also reflected in its energy management. by utilizing passive cooling strategies, air conditioning is kept to a minimum, and at the same time, a sawtooth roof incorporates a photovoltaic system that provides energy, making the building sustainable and autonomous.

the lobby is dominated by a marble front-desk, which welcomes visitors

dunza headquarters is defined by the architects as a ‘sober light box’, which emerges from a need for efficiency, and at the same time seeks to create a comfortable atmosphere that allows users to work while feeling close to the external environment. this project aims to maintain that efficiency and spatial experience and ultimately show that it is possible to create complex workspaces that actually enhance the user’s daily routine.

the terrace is surrounded by a concrete lattice, filtering the morning light and illuminating the interior

the large central workspace is bathed in diffused light

above the sawtooth roof, a photovoltaic system was incorporated to generate the building’s energy

the internal atmosphere aims to be comfortable without isolating users from the outdoor environment

to promote interaction, a social area is integrated into the building that takes the shape of a large terrace

site plan

ground floor plan

main section

project info:

project name: dunza headquarters

location: morelia, michoacán, méxico

architecture firms: morari arquitectura + JAA

lead architects: roberto ramírez ochoa + javier arias gonzález

gross built area: 7534.74 ft2 (700 m2)

completion year: 2016

photography: adrián llaguno / documentación arquitectónica

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edited by: lynne myers | designboom