Editor’s Note: This innovative solution comes from PRODUCORA, an agency based in Mexico. How can a historic, yet unregistered, early 20th-century building be preserved within the modern urban landscape? This project offers a low-cost, practical, and culturally sustainable approach. By adding a simple roof, the palace is protected from rain and transformed into a vibrant venue for cultural and festival events, allowing it to continue thriving in contemporary times.
The client requested a roof addition over the building’s three existing courtyards. Rather than designing each courtyard separately, the team proposed a single continuous roof structure spanning over 50 meters. This linear roof connects the courtyards and creates new covered spaces between them.
The roof framework consists of 45 lightweight metal trusses, spaced 1.2 meters apart. This even distribution supports the existing structure while emphasizing the rhythm and perspective of the roof.
The triangular roof design is asymmetrical, enabling natural air circulation on one side.
To minimize weight and create a striking contrast with the historic building materials, lightweight, industrialized synthetic materials are used. These include PVC decking, polycarbonate panels, and railings made from nylon mesh.
Two types of polycarbonate panels—semi-transparent and fully transparent—are implemented to filter sunlight while maintaining clear views of the sky from the courtyard.
Additionally, woven screens inspired by agricultural techniques are strategically placed to reduce direct sunlight exposure.
The geometric rhythm of the structure is enhanced by additional elements, such as elevated flower pots that redefine the boundary between terrace and sky, and lighting fixtures that emphasize the interaction between the building and the city skyline.
This project offers an alternative to demolishing historic but unregistered buildings in Mexico City. It demonstrates how valuable structures can be cleverly repurposed without needing extensive restoration funding.
It explores the aesthetic value of architecture “as found,” enhancing this experience by highlighting the contrast between the historic structure and contemporary additions.
Technical Drawings
△ Site Plan
△ First Floor Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Section Diagram
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: PRODUCORA
Area: 870 m²
Year: 2020
Photography by Onnis Luque
Lead Designers: Carlos Bedoya, Wonne Ickx, Abel Perles, Víctor Jaime
Collaborators: Ruy Berumen, Diego Velázquez, Emiliano Rode
Client: Prim Public Project
City: Mexico City
Country: Mexico
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