FRAME

Tijuana, Baja California

Type	Apartments
Size	35,200 SF
Status	Built
Awards	AIA\|LA Multi-Residential Honor Award

In Mexico, a Concrete Frame consisting of a post and beam system is the preferred construction method. There is a certain beauty seeing these projects in their Skeletal Forms as they are erected around the city. Ironically, these projects are later covered, concealing the frame. The appeal of the concrete frame structure is the visible open space. Without the open space, the frame is just not visible. Thus, we focused on creating large open spaces to highlight the concrete frame while addressing larger housing issues in the city.

Instead of beginning the design process with the building's envelop, we began by laying out the typical units first and then accommodating them into a building, eliminating the hassle of having to cram units into a set building. The result is a comfortable and functional space(s) resembling those of a house more than those of typical apartments.

With its bordering proximity to Southern California, the demand for housing in Tijuana exceeds that of available apartments. Aside from the city's lack of public amenities such as parks and open spaces, Tijuana also suffers from a marginalizing housing market, leaving families in cramped dysfunctional, and cookie-cutter apartments.

Frame, set out to try and tackle this situation.

With two units per floor, the proposed 12-Unit project features expansive outdoor terraces that can be used for lounging, dining, and children play areas.

In addition, more than half of the units in the project contain three-bedroom or larger units, in order to accommodate more families into the development while the varying terraces double the living space of the apartments for a fraction of the cost, since the cost for construction is much lower for unconditioned spaces. By providing larger indoor and outdoor spaces, these apartments become more attractive than urban single-family projects.

The units feature warm and spacious interiors that open to large outdoor spaces, creating an indoor and outdoor relationship not found in typical apartment buildings.

Garage Door

The garage's facade was inspired by the wooden planks used when casting concrete.

Entry

By subtly carving into the curved wall, the lower facade is barely fragmented.

Spine

The translucent staircase at the project's center allows for the perfect amount of light penetration to naturally illuminate the space.

Staircase

The perforated screen allows for natural ventilation and illumination while maintaining privacy in the building’s terraces.

Terraces

Composed in a playful arrangement, the outdoor spaces and wood ceilings, highlight the concrete frame while promoting social engagement and a sense of community among the residents.