Brooks + Scarpa Unveil Plans for Light-Filled, Saw-Toothed Industrial Building in Mexico

Automotive parts manufacturer, <a href="http://www.metalsa.com.mx/inicio.html" target="_blank">Metalsa SA</a> and <a href="http://www.brooksscarpa.com/projects/metalsa.office" target="_blank">Brooks + Scarpa</a> recently unveiled plans for a new research and development building outside of Monterrey, Mexico. Located in a research park adjacent to a natural habitat area, the industrial building will take advantage of natural sunlight to make the interior space light and airy. Aiming for <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/leed-platinum">LEED Platinum</a> certification, the 55,000 square foot research lab, office and industrial testing facility will incorporate natural daylighting, bioswales, and energy efficient design.

<a href="http://www.brooksscarpa.com/projects/metalsa.office" target="_blank">Metalsa's new innovation lab</a> will be located in a new Research and Technology Innovation Park developed by the Mexican government outside of Monterrey, Mexico adjacent to the area's airport.

Brooks + Scarpa came up with a brilliant plan to ensure the research warehouse was not a dark, closed off box.

To capitalize on natural daylight, they designed the building with a saw-toothed roof featuring skylights and also take advantage of views of the nearby mountains.

The exterior is then clad in a perforated metal screen fabricated at Metalsa's own facilities. The perforations are specifically designed to allow light and views in specific areas, but restrict them in others.

Areas where research and development are going on will be shielded from prying eyes.

The entrance to the building will be located under the cantilevered offices, which make it seem as the upper floors are hovering over the ground.

Light, airy and almost floating, this design reverses the notion that industrial buildings are heavy and dark.

Surrounding the facility is a garden with a natural bioswale that connects to the adjacent water reclamation wetland for the entire research park.

<a href="http://www.brooksscarpa.com/" target="_blank">Brooks + Scarpa</a> is aiming for LEED Platinum certification and will incorporate a number of other energy efficient and sustainable strategies to achieve the standard.

Model of the Metalsa industrial building featuring a perforated metal facade and a saw toothed roof.

Site plan and surrounding facilities at the research park.

Facade detail.

The building takes inspiration from older saw-toothed warehouses and the nearby mountains.