In the centre of the up-and-coming Centro Sur district in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico, the "Seguros Atlas" office building is an outstanding example of modern architecture and sustainable construction. By using architectural mesh as a façade material, this project sets new standards in terms of design and functionality. Realised by Haver & Boecker, the innovative façade not only offers aesthetic benefits, but also significant energy savings.
Sustainability meets modern architecture
The ‘Seguros Atlas’ office building was completed in 2023 and is a project by the renowned architectural firm Vega Arquitectos Asociados S.A. DE C.V. With a total area of 870 square metres, the building's façade was clad with EGLA-TWIN 4253 architectural mesh. This metal wire mesh is particularly known for its versatility and aesthetic properties. With a weight of approx. 6.0 kg/m² and an open area of around 51%, it creates an optimum balance between light transmission and solar protection.
The use of this special mesh as a façade material has several objectives: It serves as effective solar shading, minimises heat transfer through solar radiation and therefore contributes significantly to reducing energy consumption. The fabric façade not only contributes to the aesthetic enhancement of the building, but is also an important step towards sustainable construction.
Technical details and challenges
The mesh elements were manufactured in sizes of around 16 x 2.5 metres and assembled using clamping edges and clevis screws as well as the tubes of the intermediate connection. This construction not only provides stability, but also enables flexible adaptation to the architectural requirements. A particular challenge of the project was to effectively control solar radiation in order to reduce energy consumption through cooling. The EGLA-TWIN 4253 specification chosen has proven to be particularly effective in this respect (studies by ZAE Bayern).
The EGLA-TWIN 4253 architectural mesh is very popular for façades due to its filigree, textile-like structure. The direction of the mesh can be freely selected, which offers additional design freedom. In addition, architectural mesh is maintenance-free, corrosion-resistant and fully recyclable after use, making it an extremely sustainable choice for modern construction projects.
A pioneering project
The ‘Seguros Atlas’ office building in Santiago de Querétaro is a prime example of how innovative materials and well thought-out design can go hand in hand to fulfil both functional and aesthetic requirements. The use of Haver & Boecker's architectural mesh shows that sustainable architecture is not only possible, but can also be extremely attractive.
With this project, Haver & Boecker is setting new standards in the field of façade design. The combination of unique aesthetics, reliable safety, minimal maintenance and robust durability makes architectural mesh an ideal solution for modern construction projects. The ‘Seguros Atlas’ office building is not only an eye-catcher in the Centro Sur district, but also a pioneer for sustainable and energy-efficient construction in Mexico.
Photos: © Porcer, S.A. de C.V.
