Location: Mexico City, Mexico.

Architect: MYP Arquitectura.

The restoration of a building can be more challenging than building a new one due to the historical value of the structure and the unknown condition of the construction. The project to remodel a building in Mexico City was a challenge for the architects as it required different strategies than building on an empty land. The decision to remodel the building instead of demolishing it was based on its historical value and the modern comforts it could offer. The recycling of the building also reduced the ecological footprint. The architects adopted a clear and decisive intervention with modern materials to respect the original design of the building. The building was located in an area with historical value and was previously a hotel for train passengers. After 20 years of being unused, the building was in a state of deterioration and required intervention as part of an urban and heritage rescue project. The idea was to restore the building and assign a new use according to current needs. The building was transformed into ultra-small residential spaces designed for one or two people. To counteract the small interior space, the building was provided with generous indoor and outdoor common areas such as lobbies, terraces, recreational areas, sports, and artistic workshops. The exterior terrace of the 4th level was transformed into a recreational area with a gym, swimming lane, and an edible vertical garden. The restoration respected the original architectural design of the building, which was organized around a central courtyard covered by a structure based on metal reinforcements. The structure was raised and freed to obtain a greater spatial amplitude, lighting, natural ventilation, and better solar orientation. The structure was also installed with a cover based on photovoltaic panels, which provide enough energy to cover the electricity consumption of the common areas of the building.