Departamentos Covarrubias

The ITESM or Tecnológico de Monterrey stands as a fundamental institution in the city of Monterrey, not only as a world renowned university but also as a key driver of Monterrey’s economic, social, and cultural development. Around its campus, the student zone has emerged as a dynamic urban ecosystem, filled with services, commerce, recreational areas, and innovation centers all centered on the student population.

This area has developed a distinctive identity, shaped by the constant influx of young people from across Mexico and abroad, fueling a dynamic, multicultural, and ever-evolving urban life. However, this rapid growth has also brought significant challenges, most notably the urgent demand for affordable student housing. This presents an opportunity to foster a more balanced integration between the academic environment and the surrounding community, supporting sustainable, inclusive, and forward thinking urban development.

The objective was to design and build a cost efficient building in this strategic area, specifically tailored to meet the essential needs for students, maximizing the number of apartment units within the site’s narrow constraints. 

This project has the potential to shift how student housing is conceived in Monterrey. By prioritizing efficiency, affordability, and urban integration, it offers a replicable model for high density, strategic areas across the city. One of its most innovative features is the use of a hybrid prefabrication system combined with dry assembly techniques and intelligent joints, making it one of the first buildings in Mexico to adopt this approach. This reduces on site waste by up to 40% and cuts construction time in half compared to traditional methods, setting a new benchmark for modular, adaptable urban housing. 

The building adopts an L-shaped layout to efficiently respond to the site’s geometry, allowing for optimal spatial distribution. This configuration creates a central void where an open staircase is placed, serving a dual purpose: enhancing natural cross ventilation and acting as a sculptural feature, compensating for the absence of traditional green areas. 

The structure is built using a simple and efficient construction system based on prefabricated concrete slabs resting on the primary frame, enabling fast and cost-effective execution. The façade is insulated with 2-inch Foamular thermal panels to improve energy performance in Monterrey’s hot climate while offering an adaptable, clean aesthetic.

The prefabricated metal staircase system is designed for rapid assembly, reducing costs and construction time. The entrance portal, located at the front boundary of the lot, is designed to create a strong visual identity through its generous height, layered doorways, and an elevated planter that brings greenery to the street level.

The building comprises seven apartments of approximately 45 m² each, with two bedrooms, one full bathroom, and an integrated common area for kitchen, dining, and living.

On the sustainability front, a large capacity cistern is included to mitigate future water scarcity, and a full photovoltaic system is installed on the rooftop. Each unit is equipped with air conditioning and a centralized smart control system to efficiently manage energy consumption.