The set has as a singular constructive piece, the "Mattone" blocks patented in Italy, that with a double tongue and groove joint system and produced "in situ" has allowed to provide the building with better environmental conditions inside and reduce construction costs .
Project description by Federico Colella Studio
After the 2017 Mexico big earthquake, due to structural damage in the sport center of Xoxocotla Municipality in Morelos, the PADF-Mexico (Pan-American Development Foundation), proposed to citizens a comprehensive rehabilitation project in this area, and a new community center with cultural and leisure facilities.
The new public program is articulated in two building that fit in a remaining triangle-shaped area of sport center. The first structure larger and higher, with a multifunctional double-high open space, is placed parallel to an existing playground, creating a small green public square along the Niños Heroes street; the second, lower and longer, that contains offices and classrooms for small workshop activities, is completely aligned with the street, generating a new urban front; a common large portico links the two buildings, improving a sense of community.
This design strategy also permit to orient the complex along the north-south axis, getting a better solar exposure. Presence of porticoes in the buildings also limits direct radiation on walls. The roof slope variation and geometry, improve cross ventilation in all rooms. A system of bamboo suspended ceiling and lattices in windows enhance thermal comfort; interwoven reed doors constantly allow air, light and shadow effects to pass inside the rooms.
A mixed structure has been used for both buildings integrating steel standard profiles, and BTC earth blocks of “Mattone system”, a technology developed by Gloria and Roberto Mattone, researcher from the Polytechnic of Turin.
The BTC blocks “Mattone” improves a better quality of masonry, through a double male/female joint, and have been produced in situ with local material and workers, using a special transportable press-machine donated by Italian Embassy in Mexico with the support of Xoxocotla community, that has also been involved in training workshops. Earth block properties get better environmental conditions inside the building and allow an exposed treatment of materials reducing construction costs.
