situated in puebla, mexico, HDA (héctor delmar arquitectura bioclimática) + taller paralelo have restored and transformed an existing 19th century rooftop into a new green space for local residents to gather and relax. the project, titled ‘giacopello rooftop’, marks just one part of a larger intervention by more than 20 designers and architects at the giacopello house, a historic monument in the city.

héctor delmar transforms an abandoned rooftop into a contemporary garden in mexico designboom

all images © jaime navarro

 

 

inspired by french architecture, the design by HDA+ taller paralelo reinterprets the vault element to create a series of arched coverings. the new space is organized by three platforms that linked through a lightweight structure, with the three timber vaults. the platforms are placed over steel beams, which have been implemented to avoid excessive weight on the old timber-beamed slab and to conserve the existing building.

héctor delmar transforms an abandoned rooftop into a contemporary garden in mexico designboom

 

 

the structure of the new intervention has been built with 35mm x 35mm timber purlins and 25mm galvanized steel tubes normally used for electrical services. the type of cladding used varies to shade residents with different daylight effects. white canvas, transparent polycarbonate corrugated sheets, and climbing plants are used to cover the structure, all low–cost, and easy find materials. the upper part of the structure has three PV panels to power the artificial lighting hiding in the structure, this way new technologies are exposed as part of the architectural aesthetic rather than being hidden or avoided.

héctor delmar transforms an abandoned rooftop into a contemporary garden in mexico designboom

 

 

the platforms provide seating areas for people to gather and enjoy a moment of calm high above the city below. by transforming the rooftop of an existing building, the project shows the potential of abandoned spaces. what was once a forgotten area is now a tranquil and contemporary roof garden. 

héctor delmar transforms an abandoned rooftop into a contemporary garden in mexico designboom

héctor delmar transforms an abandoned rooftop into a contemporary garden in mexico designboom

héctor delmar transforms an abandoned rooftop into a contemporary garden in mexico designboom

héctor delmar transforms an abandoned rooftop into a contemporary garden in mexico designboom

héctor delmar transforms an abandoned rooftop into a contemporary garden in mexico designboom

héctor delmar transforms an abandoned rooftop into a contemporary garden in mexico designboom

héctor delmar transforms an abandoned rooftop into a contemporary garden in mexico designboom

héctor delmar transforms an abandoned rooftop into a contemporary garden in mexico designboom

héctor delmar transforms an abandoned rooftop into a contemporary garden in mexico designboom

 

 

project info:

 

project name: giacopello rooftop

location: puebla, mexico

architects: HDA héctor delmar arquitectura bioclimática + taller paralelo

photography: jaime navarro

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynne myers | designboom