Location: Salazar, Mexico Year: 2024 Architects: H E M A A Photography by: César Béjar
Nestled within Reserva Santa Fe, Pabellon de la Reserva emerges as a testament to a balanced way of life—an existence centered around the intimate embrace of nature, all conveniently situated just minutes away from the bustling metropolis of Mexico City.
Positioned at the heart of a cold and humid climate, graced by the presence of a small lake, and immersed within the sprawling expanse of the Otomi-Mexica forest, the project faced a multitude of challenges. Foremost among them was the imperative to conceive an architectural design that could authentically echo the character of its natural environment.
The delicate framework of Pabellon de la Reserva, characterized by its nuanced structure and cantilevered eaves rendered in an ash-green hue, gracefully dissolves the boundaries of the project, serving as a subtle frame for the natural surroundings. In this symbiotic dispotition, the architectural structure organizes space and engenders a rhythm that echoes the very fabric of its context. Symbolically, the modules of the project reinterpret the grandeur of the seven lakes that surround its location, drawing inspiration from the cosmic worldview cherished by the Otomi culture.
An unwavering commitment to ecological considerations defines the essence of Pabellón de la Reserva, aspiring to propel the evolution of self-sufficient architecture. The project's orientation, geometry, and specifications are meticulously tailored to respond to the unique climatic conditions of the site, while concurrently ensuring optimal thermal, acoustic, and lighting comfort. To achieve this, the design approach centered on the integration and application of the Golden Section—an inherent mathematical ratio that elucidates the organic and harmonious growth prevalent in nature. Embracing the Golden Section as a guiding principle, permeating every aspect of the project's design and development, shaping the overall plan and informing even the minutest intricacies of the carpentry details. Its presence became paramount, lending a sense of cohesion and resonance throughout the entire project.
Passive climate control strategies and novel technologies find seamless integration within the construction materials and systems, effectively harnessing closed-loop cycles of natural resources. In the pursuit of creating a project that attains complete autonomy, generating its own energy consumption and fulfilling hydraulic demands, while adhering to the stringent material traceability requirements stipulated by the esteemed Living Building Challenge Certification, a range of strategic measures were employed. These included the integration of solar cells, an urban rooftop garden, as well as the incorporation of wetlands and rain water capture filters to harness and optimize this vital resource.
Guided by a fervent desire to eschew materials and products that harbor harmful chemicals detrimental to both the environment and human well-being, Pabellón de la Reserva is resolute in minimizing its carbon footprint. A conscious material selection process underpins this commitment, promoting the utilization of locally sourced materials that embody environmental consciousness. Furthermore, meticulous resource monitoring was implemented to ensure efficient utilization. To foster regional sustainability, a remarkable 67.66% of the construction materials were procured from sources within a 500-kilometer radius. All wooden elements, whether produced on-site or sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified suppliers, adhere to the highest standards of sustainability.
Pabellon de la Reserva represents an initial exploration, inviting users to embark on a transformative journey of experiential discovery—a testament to the possibilities and aspirations encapsulated within a living, regenerative building. It beckons individuals to immerse themselves in a realm where the boundaries between the built and natural environment blur, ultimately reshaping their understanding of what it truly means to inhabit and engage with the spaces we inhabit. Text description by the architects.
