- Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building - http://inhabitat.com -
REC Architects Build a Grass & Glass Modern Building in Mexico
Posted By Ana Lisa On April 23, 2012 @ 5:26 pm In Air quality,Architecture,Environment,Innovation,Sustainable Materials | No Comments
REC architects have created a cool office space by mixing dry plants, glass and steel. Situated in Cuernavaca, Mexico, this strange looking building is a combination of local identity with the latest technology. A material usually seen on thatched roofs, petate, helps to cool the interiors without the need for energy-sucking air conditioners.
A strage mix that works really well, REC architects´office block in Mexico is a modernist building with a twist. Mixing traditional biodegradable materials with sharp glass and steel, the international group of architects has created a cool way to give shade. Parts of the glass facade have been covered with petate , a biodegradable dried plants material that is commonly used on roofs .
The petate surfaces provide the building with some very welcome shades that ease the hot Mexican  summers while letting hot air escape, avoiding the need for air conditioners. Cute round windows have been places in between the petate leaves, reminding people inside of the strange beautiful facade. This great example of sustainable architecture reminds us that sometimes is not about using the most innovative or latest materials but instead, its all about common sense. 
+ REC Architects 
Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com
URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/rec-architects-build-a-grass-glass-modern-building-in-mexico/
URLs in this post:
 petate: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petate
 roofs: http://inhabitat.com/blue-forests-thatched-cliffside-lodge-wraps-itself-around-a-tree/
 Mexican: http://inhabitat.com/beautiful-mexican-casa-en-el-bosque-designed-to-adapt-to-the-existing-pine-forest/
 common sense.: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_sense
 + REC Architects: http://www.recarquitectura.com/home.html
 Via Plataforma Arquitectura: http://www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/2011/05/07/petat-glass-rec-arquitectura/
Copyright © 2011 Inhabitat Local - New York. All rights reserved.