Metalsa’s new innovation lab 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 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. Brooks + Scarpa is aiming for LEED Platinum certification and will incorporate a number of other energy efficient and sustainable strategies to achieve the standard.
Images © Brooks + Scarpa
