The “Corredor 963” project is located in Santa Catarina, N.L., adjacent to CEDIM, and presents itself as a pavilion with a construction area of approximately 10 m2. It was conceived and executed by students of Architecture and Urban Strategies at CEDIM.
© Paco Álvarez
The project aims to address the issue of high polluting emissions in the construction industry in Mexico, which represents 50% of the country’s total, according to the National Housing Commission (Conavi). The intention is to find more sustainable alternatives to traditional construction, using passive systems and materials with greater thermal resistance available locally.
© Paco Álvarez
The pavilion features a unique volume, composed of three walls arranged in a triangular shape: one independent and two L-shaped, creating an interior path. The independent wall is oriented from north to south to maximize sunlight and mountain views. The height of the walls gradually increases towards the exit, providing shade. There were 1000 compacted earth blocks, with variable rotation lattices that regulate the entry of light and air inside.
© Paco Álvarez
The design is based on the structural stability of the triangle, with blocks rotated 90° to reinforce the corners. The raised concrete foundation protects the blocks from soil moisture and acts as a leveler. Vertical rods embedded in the foundation beam provide structural support. The stepped design eliminates the need for enclosures, while the lattice reduces wind force.
© Paco Álvarez
The project achieves a play of light inside in the morning and afternoon thanks to the lattices. It provides a cool and ventilated environment, and its exit frames a spectacular view of the mountain from the highest point of the walls.
© Paco Álvarez
“Corredor 963” seeks to explore sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete blocks, available locally, that contribute aesthetic uniqueness. In addition, by incorporating passive strategies, it highlights that it is possible to improve the indoor environment without a greater investment. This project represents progress in research and the search for sustainable materials in Mexican construction, contributing to innovation in the sector.
Project Info
Architects: Centro de Estudios Superiores de Diseño de Monterrey, CEDIM
Area: 10 m²
Year: 2023
Country: Ciudad Santa Catarina, Mexico
Photographs: Paco Álvarez
Architects In Charge: Marco Ríos, Rodrigo Leal, Jorge Jiménez, Djordje Stanojevic, Mónica Villareal
Students: Adrián Guel, Alfonso Morales, Anaís González, Andrea Martínez, Cecilia Leal, Fabián Arrambide, Javier Rodríguez, Joel Morales, Josué Quintana, Luis Gerardo Salazar, María Inés González, Maximiliano Breceda, Melissa Flores, Miguel Trejo, Pablo Cota, Santos Quintero, Sebastián González.
Collaborators: Victor Mendez, Emilio Mejia, Diego Garcia Sandoval, Diego Garcia Cano, Jonathan Gonzalez, Antonio Varela, Jorge Dorantes
Consultant: Adobera Arquime
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.