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Petat Glass<a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=palapa&hl=en&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=mfvHTdL3MpCksQOclNnDAQ&ved=0CKUBELAE&biw=1066&bih=529" target="_blank">Palapas</a> are traditionally thatched roofs made from palm fronds, but in this Mexican office building in Cuernavaca, the palapa becomes part of a sustainability strategy and is used as part of the facade. Designed by <a href="http://www.recarquitectura.com/home.html">REC Arquitectura</a>, the Petat Glass office uses a common roofing material in equatorial regions in a new way that is both aesthetically pleasing and useful as part of a comprehensize sustainability strategy. <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/natural-ventilation">Natural ventilation</a>, daylighting and the palapa walls all help to minimize energy use and keep the space cool.1
Petat GlassThe office and retail building plays off local identity as well as craftsmen who are familiar with the methods of palapa construction.2
Petat GlassAt night, the palapa walls help the space breath and the interior lighting makes the building glow.3
Petat GlassExperimental in design, but easily recognizable to the as part of the vernacular architecture, the Petat Glass buildings makes a case for alternative architecture.4
Petat GlassThe geometric orthogonal building is respectful to the surrounding environment and largely relies on steel and glass for its construction.5
Petat Glassarge, operable windows draw in lots of natural daylight and encourage cross ventilation through the space, which eliminates the use of air conditioning.6
Petat GlassDaylighting reaches down from the first floor down into the basement.7
Petat GlassThe idea was to show that expensive and high tech systems are not necessary to create comfortable interior spaces8
Petat GlassSimple and traditional materials, like palapa, can be used to encourage ventilation, cooling and create a visually stimulating space.9
Petat GlassModel of the Petat Glass building.10
Petat GlassThe palapa walls protect the interior from the sun and help expel hot air out of the space.11
