Quake-Resistant concrete apartments in Mexico City

14 Aug 2023 CW Team

Conceived after the 2017 earthquake compromised its predecessor, MO288 encompasses the lessons of the past. Its innovative design turns inward, embracing a spacious courtyard with a rounded edge, mirroring the exterior's distinctive curvature. Load-bearing walls negate the need for columns, optimising interior space while fortifying against seismic disturbances.

The project's structural calculation and seismic design posed significant challenges, requiring a synergy between architectural and engineering acumen. A soil mechanics analysis revealed stable ground 30 metres below, prompting the installation of 32-metre reinforced concrete piles. These elements collaborate seamlessly with load-bearing walls, ensuring structural integrity from ground to upper levels.

Adorned in board-formed concrete, the façade is punctuated by black box balconies and vertical windows, exuding both elegance and sturdiness. The rounded corner features inset balconies that afford panoramic views of the cityscape. Despite its resilience-oriented approach, the complex maintains an aesthetic allure that complements its surroundings.

Amid the challenges of noise pollution from nearby roads, the interiors are cleverly illuminated through translucent windows, preserving privacy while welcoming natural light. The project's triumph lies in its fusion of architectural innovation, seismic resilience, and functional elegance, a beacon of Mexico City's commitment to building a more secure urban landscape in the face of natural adversity.

Local firm HGR Arquitectos has successfully unveiled MO288, a robust triangular concrete apartment complex in Mexico City, designed to withstand seismic tremors. Situated in the Cuauhtémoc district, the six-story edifice encompasses 15 apartments and two commercial units across 15,047 sq ft, epitomising the fusion of functionality and safety. This project stands as a testament to the architect's prowess in crafting resilient structures.Conceived after the 2017 earthquake compromised its predecessor, MO288 encompasses the lessons of the past. Its innovative design turns inward, embracing a spacious courtyard with a rounded edge, mirroring the exterior's distinctive curvature. Load-bearing walls negate the need for columns, optimising interior space while fortifying against seismic disturbances.The project's structural calculation and seismic design posed significant challenges, requiring a synergy between architectural and engineering acumen. A soil mechanics analysis revealed stable ground 30 metres below, prompting the installation of 32-metre reinforced concrete piles. These elements collaborate seamlessly with load-bearing walls, ensuring structural integrity from ground to upper levels.Adorned in board-formed concrete, the façade is punctuated by black box balconies and vertical windows, exuding both elegance and sturdiness. The rounded corner features inset balconies that afford panoramic views of the cityscape. Despite its resilience-oriented approach, the complex maintains an aesthetic allure that complements its surroundings.Amid the challenges of noise pollution from nearby roads, the interiors are cleverly illuminated through translucent windows, preserving privacy while welcoming natural light. The project's triumph lies in its fusion of architectural innovation, seismic resilience, and functional elegance, a beacon of Mexico City's commitment to building a more secure urban landscape in the face of natural adversity.