La Luz 1126 Apartment Building, Experimental housing project in downtown Monterrey, with five apartments and a commercial ground floor, respecting the historical part. La Luz 1126 is a project that understands its role in the geographical context where it is located. The active ground floor aims to become a meeting point in the neighborhood. The internal program is distributed through concrete platforms containing apartments that rise in half levels, culminating in two terraces that allow for panoramic views of downtown Monterrey and its mountains.
© Paulina Ojeda, Francisco Álvarez
It is an architectural essay that seeks to respond to the challenges of housing in consolidated and historical areas of the city, focusing on a balance between commercial and the capacities that a traditional neighborhood should have. The setback of the building reaffirms respect for the scale and historical context of the constructions from the first half of the 20th century that surround it. It was decided to expose the noble materials, starting with its structure composed of columns and concrete slabs, a first level that reaffirms the project’s base through the combination of exposed concrete with the original sills of the building; the brick configures the internal spaces creating a contrast with the structural elements and, on the terrace, it is placed laterally to create a lattice that allows for continued views of the city.
© Paulina Ojeda, Francisco Álvarez
The concrete structure recalls the basic principles of modernism while organically integrating with the 1939 construction that will serve as contact with the public. The first bay and its facade stand as a testament to the austere yet enduring society that will now generate a vibrant relationship with future generations. The project is a juxtaposition of eras and materials, and at the same time, a testimony of how the present can coexist respectfully with the past.
Project Info
Architects: Edith Architecture, León Staines
Country: Mexico, Monterrey
Area: 184 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Paulina Ojeda, Francisco Álvarez
Category: Apartments, Restoration
Design Architect: León Staines Díaz
Structural Engineer: José Vicente Sánchez Hernández
Manufacturers: Cemex, Ladrillera Mecanizada
Lead Architect: Edith Cervantes Hernández
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.