The Division del Norte 1368 (DDN 1368) project was particularly challenging because despite the extremely compact space, 216 square meters, we designed ten apartments and a semi-basement within 6 residential levels. The team has developed an eye for analyzing how to best design living in such compact spaces since they have been working on projects in the neighboring downtown areas, known for their peculiar design requirements and limited space. Another unique note to make about this project is the diversity of each apartment model. Ranging from one to two levels, and from 65 to 116 square meters, each apartment has a distinctive interior and exterior.
The building is located on Avenida División del Norte, one of the city's busiest arteries, very close to the Benito Juárez Mayor's Office and next to the park “Los Venados”. It is located within the Letrán Valle neighborhood, known for its efforts to maintain the neighborhood's origins amidst the growth in architecture, gastronomy, urban planning, public transport, among others. With the meticulous analysis of its surroundings, DDN 1368 seeks to be part of this growth and offers a respectful, renewing, approach in conjunction with its residents.
The architecture of DDN 1368, is briefly described as follows: the facade manifests itself with the simplicity of a single structural material, concrete modulated in plywood planks. Enriched by the presence of steel on the balconies, the use of floor-to-ceiling windows across the front of each apartment adds a touch of warmth in its vegetation interventions. Likewise, continuous glass runs along the stairs throughout all levels of the building, and an aluminum door frame allows for a vertical continuity of volume. It should be noted that, due to the shape of the land, it was possible to have very good-sized terraces on both sides of the facade, thus expanding both the spaces inside, as well as in their relationship with the outside. It is important to note that, looking at the building from the front, the six apartments on the left side are very similar units, and layout, of about 90 square meters, plus additional private outdoor areas. The other four apartments are on the right side of the building, two of which are duplexes that stand out from the others, and two are a bit more compact, all separated by vertical circulations.
As always, in the projects that we design, there is free space at the rear of the building where you can find livable terrace spaces for the first-level apartments. In turn, the two apartments on the upper levels have exclusive spaces on the rooftop that are connected with internal stairs, giving the owners greater flexibility and privacy. Lastly, DDN 1368 has a parking structure half a level below the sidewalk where tenants can find 24-hour surveillance, parking, pedestrian sidewalk access, and a washing machine room.
Material Used :
1. Apparent Concrete
2. Blacksmithing
3. Apparent bricks
4. Natural Stones
5. Wood
6. Vegetation
