Maira Medrano - Architecture Portfolio 2024 by Maira Medrano

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

MAIRA MEDRANO | SELECTED WORKS

MAIRA SOFIA MEDRANO MOYA

Recently graduated Architect, with 8 months of international internship experience. I have developed my passion for architectural design through projects focused on the well-being of inhabitants and users, as well as the harmony of the project with its environmental context. My main interests are centered around architecture design, interior and urban design.

Cell phone: +52 811 656 8546

Email: maira.s.medrano@gmail.com

LinkedIn: maira-medrano-moya Monterrey Nuevo León, México

SKILLS LANGUAGES

Communication

Adaptability

Teamwork

Leadership

Attention to detail

Responsibility

SOFTWARE

AutoCAD - Advanced

Sketchup - Advanced

Revit - Intermediate

Rhino - Intermediate

D5 Render - Intermediate

Español - Native

Inglés-Advanced-TOEFL IBT C1

Francés - Beginner

Vray - Intermediate

3Ds Max - Beginner

Adobe Photoshop - Intermediate

Adobe Illustrator - Intermediate

Adobe In Design - Intermediate

Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

2020DIC 2024

2017 - 2020 JUN 2019

ARCHITECTURE| Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey | GPA 98:23 | Academic Talent Scholarship

Honorable Mention for Excellence and Best Academic Average in the Major.

IB HIGH SCHOOL HONORS PROGRAMA | PrepaTec Eugenio Garza Sada

JOHN ABBOTT COLLEGE | Exchange in Montréal, Canada | Multicultural program PrepaTec | Entrepreneurship and french classes.

WORK EXPERIENCE

ON CAMPUS INTERN | Tecnológico de Monterrey

Architecture Intern

• Editing, graphic production, and documentation for the publication Memoria Cátedra Infonavit. Expected publication in 2025, with participation in Architecture Biennales.

• Develop proposals for renovations to the Architecture and Urbanism Workshops, 3D & Rendering.

SEPT 2023

RCR ARQUITECTES | Olot, Spain

Architecture Intern

• Updating architectural plans, executive drawings, and construction details using AutoCAD, and post-production in Illustrator and Photoshop.

• 3D modeling of elements with Rhinoceros.

• Finalizing graphic composition corrections for 2 projects in InDesign for the layout of the proposal Revista Croquis: RCR Arquitectes 2018-2023.

OAX ARQUITECTOS | Monterrey, México

Architecture Intern

• Architectural survey, update of plans in AutoCAD.

• Modeling of the project in SketchUp for a high-end residential project.

COMPETITIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

• Furniture proposal: wardrobe and outdoor kitchen, remodeling of a getaway house. JAN 2024 SEPT 2024

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

MAY- OCT 2022

FEB- DIC 2022

SOCIAL SERVICE HICME

• Graphic design “Guía de Psicología para Albergues de Niñas, Niños y Adolescentes Institucionalizados.” Application of manual in residential homes in Mexico.

VICE PRESIDENT (SAARQ)

SOCIEDAD DE ALUMNOS DE ARQUITECTURA

• Team coordination for school events. Two editions of the Proyecta Awards for distinguished students of the School of Architecture, with 200 guests at each event.

PREMIO

ALBERTO J. PANI - PARTICIPANT

- Individual 3 day Architecture Charette Representative of Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey

• Mixed-use university pavilion, integrates with surroundings through historical & natural memory.

REUSE THE THERMAE - PARTICIPANT

• Proposal for the musealization and protection of the ruins of a private Roman bath in Curinga, Italy.

CÁTEDRA INFONAVIT 10° - FINALIST

Representative team of Tecnológico de Monterrey. Participant in 2nd edition Premios Proyecta 2023.

• Revitalize the assigned study area in Nuevo León and develop a self-production housing model.

GILSA DESIGN AWARDS - 2ND PLACE

Representative team of Tecnológico de Monterrey.

• Design of a bathroom showroom for a young couple

• using the materials displayed in the store.

COLLECTIVE HOUSING - 1ST PLACE

Award at the Premios Proyecta 2023

Tecnológico de Monterrey - Academic project

• Medium-scale collective residential building using

• bioclimatic strategies.

SINGLE UNIT HOUSING - 1ST PLACE

Award at the Premios Proyecta 2023

Tecnológico de Monterrey - Academic project

• Housing for a family of 5, preserving existing vegetation and integrating with the urban environment.

COURSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Revit Course: Beginner to Advanced Arquitectos Fonseca

Course: Revit + 3D Studio Max + Vray Arquitectos Fonseca

RAÍCES AVA

Mixed-Use Building Project Monterrey, México 8th Semester

6-15

CASA FERRO

Single Unit Housing Project San Pedro Garza García, México 5th Semester

16-23

PABELLÓN CA.

Premio Alberto J. Pani UNAM, Mexico City, México 8th Semester

50-55

CÁTEDRA INFONAVIT 10°

Self-Production & Urban Project Juárez, México 6th Semester

24-33

GILSA DESIGN AWARDS

Restroom Design for Showroom Gilsa S.A. Monterrey, México 5th Semester

56-61

SEE AND BE SEEN

Reuse Italy Competition

Conceptual, without location 7th Semester

34-37

WORKSHOP

Architectural | Urban Design classrooms Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, México 8th Semester

62-63

ROMALDA

Collective Housing Project Monterrey, México 5th Semester

38-49

RELIEVE

Mixed-Use Building Project Monterrey, México 5th Semester

64-71

CASA WABI FOR ARTISTS

Temporary Residence for Artists Project Casa Wabi, Oaxaca, México 5th Semester

72-77

PROJECT INFO

Mixed-Use Building

Residential Units

| Commercial Space

Academic Project, 8th semester

Location

Monterrey, Nuevo León, México

In collaboration with:

Victoria Esquivel, Alexa Palagot

Total construction area: 61,056 m2

Year: 2024

RAÍCES AVA

BUILDING A UNITED COMMUNITY THROUGH OUR ROOTS

A project that combines the advantages of modern living with a focus on well-being, connection to nature, and community building.

Raíces AVA pays tribute to our colonial Mexican heritage, through central courtyards, creating captivating interior views while fostering a sense of community among neighbors and visitors.

The project will be developed at the edge of the Distrito TEC area in Monterrey.

NEED FOR COLLECTIVE HOUSING

SITE POTENTIAL

The site is located next to the Arroyo Seco and has a 9-meter slope, with Calle Argos being the highest point of the land. The proposal emphasizes views towards the surrounding natural elements, such as the dry stream and the hills.

INTERIOR VIEWS

CONCEPTUAL IDEA

By reconnecting with our roots, we promote culture and well-being, social gatherings, and a sense of belonging. Through an active ground floor that includes amenities such as restaurants, commercial gyms, self-service stores and a cultural gallery.

Parking area

GENERAL PLAN

The proposal focuses on offering users exterior and interior views, natural ventilation and lighting through volumes with interior courtyards and gallery-style circulation, allowing for greater connectivity within the complex.

AMENITIES

Each section includes an amenity area on the first level of the third tower, featuring a gym, a coworking space, and two terraces. Privacy from the commercial areas on the first level is ensured through a lattice design.

Rooftop Terraces

Additionally, each section offers two rooftop terrace areas and game rooms, providing views of different parts of the city.

Maira Medrano

• 1 Room

• Living Room

• Kitchen

• Dining Room • 1 Flex • 1 Bathroom

• 2 Rooms

• Living Room

• Kitchen

• Dining Room

TYPOLOGY 1 | 54 m2 | 22% TYPOLOGY 3 | 81 m2 | 27% TYPOLOGY 2 | 67.5 m2 | 17%

• 2 Rooms

• Living Room

• Kitchen

• Dining Room

• Laundry area • 1 deck

• 1 Bathroom

• Laundry area

• 2 decks

• 2 Bathrooms

• Laundry area

• 1 deck

TYPOLOGY 4 | 94.5 m2 | 27%

• 3 Rooms

• Living Room

• Kitchen

• Dining Room

• 2 Bathrooms

• Laundry area

• 2 decks

332 apartment units

61,056m2 | Total construction area

30,382m2 | Total saleable area

$19,292 | Cost/m2

TYPOLOGY 5 | 117 m2 | 6%

• 4 Rooms

• Living Room

• Kitchen

• Dining Room

• 1 Flex

• 3 Bathrooms

• Laundry area

• 3 decks

The housing typologies feature covered exterior walkways overlooking the interior courtyards. The proposal is divided into two sections, each with three towers.

The first tower has five residential levels, the second has eight, and the third has five, each with its own circulation core. The unit sizes range from 54 m² to 117 m²

Maira Medrano

REAL STATE PROJECT

This project proposal was presented to the Monterreybased real estate developer GM Capital, who owns the land. The purpose of the workshop was to develop a valuable architectural proposal within a real context, creating the entire financial model to ensure the project’s feasibility through a market study and real cost analysis. This simulation allowed us to understand architectural projects from a financial perspective.

PROJECT INFO

Single Unit House

Academic Project, 5th semester

Location

San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, México

In collaboration with:

Daniela Salomé & Alexa Palagot

Area: 261.67 m2

Year: 2022

CASA FERRO

UNDERSTANDING OUR CLIENT’S CONTEXT AND INTERESTS.

The property is situated in the Urban Area of San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León on Independencia street, between Av. Corregidora and Lic. Benito Juárez.

Our client profile consists of a family of five who enjoys engaging in activities together, including cooking and playing music.

They not only enjoy spending time together as a family but also value having distinct spaces where they can pursue their individual tasks and pastimes.

VARIETY OF SCENES FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME.

In Casa Ferro, the patios and garden play a significant role in establishing a connection with the outdoors as users walk thorugh the interior spaces.

The house has a total area of 262 square meters, where there are social areas such as the interior patios and living and dining room. On the other hand, the private areas of the house include an office, bedrooms and multipurpose room.

The houses located in the urban center of San Pedro Garza García exhbit the architectural style known as Mexican Colonial Style Norestense. This style’s features includes less permeable facades and larger frames in windows and doors.

To pay homage to the the traditional architecture of Nuevo León, the house incorporates a modern reinterpretation of the frame at the entrance of the garage, with diagonal withdrawals on its sides. This accentuates the entrance and generate a welcoming atmosphere for the family and their guests.

GROUND FLOOR

The social areas of the dining room, kitchen and workspace are seamlessly interconnected through the use of a linear furniture design that adapts to the space.

UPPER FLOOR

To enhance privacy and provide a connection to nature, each sibling in the house has their own bedroom with a view to at least one of the three gardens.

NATURAL ELEMENTS ON INTERIOR SPACE

The layout of the house aims to provide a visual connection to the natural elements surrounding the indoor space. It allows natural light to permeate the interior and create a sense of openness.

The small body of water and vegetation enhance the feeling of being outdoors while remaining inside the home.

Longitudinal Section (A-A’)

Context Elevation

Rear Elevation

BIOCLIMATIC ATTRIBUTES

The open spaces generate natural light and ventilation, which greatly enhances the thermal comfort and overall well-being of its inhabitants,

This is specially important in a city with extreme temperatures and climatic changes, as it allows for better control of indoor temperatures.

PROJECT INFO

Single Unit House Academic Project, 6th semester

Location

Juárez, Nuevo León, México

In collaboration with:

Daniela Salomé, Daniel Cantú & José Ángel Chapa Year: 2023

CÁTEDRA INFONAVIT 10°

INFONAVIT, NATIONAL HOUSING FUND

Instituto del Fondo Nacional de Vivienda para los Trabajadores (INFONAVIT) is a social service organization that manages the resources of the National Housing Fund.

Its main objective is to establish and operate a financing system that allows its beneficiaries to obtain affordable and sufficient credit to acquire a home.

In Mexico, there are 8.5 million housing units that are in a state of deficit due to deteriorated materials or inadequate living conditions.

BUILDING COMMUNITIES THROUGH SELF-PRODUCTION

The tenth edition of “Cátedra Infonavit” focuses on revitalizing a study area in Juárez, Nuevo León, to create selfproduction housing models and improve public spaces, roads, and facilities.

“Centro Habitacional Burócratas de Guadalupe,” with 867 inhabitants and 324 housing units, faces challenges such as urban voids and underutilized lots. These spaces present opportunities to incorporate diverse housing models, facilities, and public spaces, fostering social interaction, economic development, and community growth.

MOBILITY

The proposal includes formalizing transit stops, adding routes from Av. Sindicalismo to Monterrey’s center and increasing trip frequency daily.

FACILITIES

Strategically located at three scales, offering childcare, senior services, health centers, and recreational spaces to enhance community

STREAM REGENERATION

The stream revitalization strengthens community connections through flow restoration, expansion, stabilization, and water cultivation.

CURRENT SITE CONDITION

55% of the area consists of underutilized lots, presenting an opportunity to introduce housing, services, and facilities, transforming urban voids into functional spaces and fostering development.

COST-SAVING PROCESS

Exisiting Housing Lot division

Housing costs heavily impact families due to high construction expenses.

Dividing land price lowers investment costs by up to 67%.

Housing Proposal

Proposal promotes diverse, mixed units for an affordable housing model.

HOUSING MODEL

Detached House

The design alternates structural spaces and courtyards along a central axis, linking common front areas with private rear areas, while front terraces foster connections with the urban environment.

Attached House

The design increases density, promotes commerce, enhances proximity, expands courtyards for better environment, and uses a central wall axis to structurally support vertically stacked services.

Stacked House

The ground floor is freed up for permeability and connection between blocks, while also accommodating housing units with the same characteristics of adaptability, sustainability, habitability, and flexibility.

Facility #1

ADAPTATION FOR FACILITIES

The facilities are based on the typology of attached housing, allowing for different adaptations in the floor plan without modifying the structure, resulting in a variety of uses such as a healthcare center, care for the elderly and individuals with special needs, childcare, markets, and space for local events. This generates a process of proximity and diversity through their combination.

Care for seniors, aged 60 and above

Facility #3

Childcare center ages 0-3

Facility #4

Specialized commerce - Market

Facility #2 Health center

Facility #5

Space for celebrations / Local events

TRANSFORMATION DEVICES

1. Stairs:

Prepared for future expansion.

2. Patios:

Allows sustainable densification.

3. Roofs:

Possibility of vertical expansion

4. Active ground floor: Generates passive income.

CONSTRUCTION DETAIL

Manual for construction of a module, which, when replicated, solves the rest of the housing.

20cm thick slab with joist and block system.

Finish on the ﬂoor according to the choice of the living unit.

Cement/sand mortar plastering with a thickness of 4cm.

Concrete ﬂoor f’C = 150 kg/cm2 thickness of 15 cm, reinforced with welded wire mesh 6-6 / 10-10

Prefabricated beam

Problock #6, ANHIX brand, set in mortar cement/sand ratio 1:3

Plastering and ﬁnishing with mortar cement/sand ratio 1:4 with a thickness of 1.5 cm

Vinyl paint of choice by the living unit

Adhesive for coating

Isolated footing

Bovedilla

DESIGN / PUBLIC SPACE

The neighborhood has three types of roadways: Av. Sindicalismo, the surrounding secondary streets, and the tertiary streets. The organization and design of these roads aim to promote non-motorized mobility. Additionally, four public space interventions were created in which the stream evolves into an urban lung with recreational and commercial activities.

The sidewalks are divided into three types of strips:

1. Transition strip between active urban fronts and public space

2. Obstacle free circulation strip to facilitate mobility.

BUILDING PROXIMITY, DIVERSITY, AND DENSITY

According to the principles of Soft City by David Sim, cities contribute to creating more sustainable and happier communities for their residents when the scale of buildings is reduced, diversity of housing typologies and non-domestic

The neighborhood has three types of roadways: Av. Sindicalismo, the surrounding secondary streets, and the tertiary streets. The organization and design of these roads aim to promote non-motorized mobility. Inspired by Soft City, the Centro Habitacional proposal promotes reduced building scale, diverse housing, and multifunctional spaces, fostering proximity, sustainability, and community through mixed-use urban design principles.

3. Equipment strip for municipal services, urban furniture and vegetation.

uses per level is promoted, resulting in ensembles with multifunctional activities that generate proximity. These principles formed the basis for the housing and urban proposal in Centro Habitacional.

OWL PARK

The owl symbolizes observation and vigilance, Owl Park promotes security through recreational spaces.

KOBAN

A permeable ground floor police booth and observation deck enhance security through natural surveillance.

REUSE OF TIRES AND URBAN BEACH

Reused tires delimit the stream, increasing absorption and creating spaces for social interaction, recreation.

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

The bridge connects both neighborhood sectors, promotes pedestrian mobility and local economic activity.

PROJECT INFO

Reuse the thermae - Curinga

Reuse Italy Competition, 7th semester

Location

Curinga, Catanzaro, Italy

In collaboration with: Ana González, Jules Aubron & Tzu-Chin Huang

Year: January 2024

SEE AND BE SEEN

BRIEFING FOR THE COMPETITION

The thermae was the central regulating place in the life of the Romans. Regardless of class and social status or whether you were a man or a woman, the Romans went every day to these places reserved for the hygiene and pleasure of the body and the spirit. The thermal baths represent timeless spaces, places where everyone could feel for a few moments like the emperor himself, escaping from the monotony of everyday life where promiscuity and nudity erased inequalities.

The Thermae’s design guides visitors along a route through pools of varying temperatures and activity rooms, emphasizing the competition themes of protection and musealization.

The concept restores the original pathway using a fluctuating platform, with wider sections marking areas for longer stays and narrower sections for shorter stops, creating a space that celebrates the body and social interaction.

Site photos by: Reuse Italy

PROTECTION & MUSEALIZATION

The platform is supported by metal slats that guide the route, allowing or preventing access to specific spaces. The walkway, and ruins are covered by a roof with a mirror inside.

The roof with thin structure blends seamlessly into the surroundings.

The curved walkway gradually unveils and opens up views of the ruins.

The route proposed considers the time users spent in each room in the thermae.

The horizontal mirror allows users to observe distant spaces, others and themselves.

This horizontal surface over the ruins enables users to see other partes of the space and observe fellow users walking in the space. Preserving an idea of interconnection.

PREMISES

The proposal recovers the exaltation of the body and the lack of intimacy, so intimate, that was generated in the Roman baths.

For materiality, Corten Steel was chosen because, like the body, it is a changing material that blends with its surroundings over the years.

Section A

Section B

PROJECT INFO

Collective Housing Academic Project, 5th semester

Location Monterrey, Nuevo León, México

In collaboration with: Daniela Salomé, Alexa Palagot & Rodrigo Ortíz.

Area: 831.44 m2

Year: 2022

ROMALDA

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES IN COLLECTIVE HOUSING

“Distrito Tec” is an urban regeneration project promoted by Tecnológico de Monterrey, along with various associations, citizen groups and district authorities. Its impact will be reflected in 24 neighborhoods surrounding the university campus.

NEED FOR COLLECTIVE HOUSING

Since 1980, the urban area in Monterrey has increased five-fold, accompanied by rapid population growth. As a result, there has been a significant increase in the demand for collective housing, particularly in sectors where students, families and independent adults are seeking affordable housing options.

The property is situated at the intersection of Río Pánuco street and Av. Del Estado in the Tecnológico neighborhood, within the Distrito Tec polygon in Monterrey, Nuevo León. It covers an area of 831.44 m2.

The design of the building places a strong emphasis on outdoor spaces that serve both recreational & cohabitational purposes of both public and private areas of the building.

The building has a total of 5 levels, with 4 of them dedicated to departmental use. There are 4 different housing typologies available, ranging from 1 to 4 rooms. On the contrary, the ground floor and rooftop areas are designated for social and commercial use.

The rooftop is a private social area for the building’s residents.

rooftop is a private social building’s residents.

The terraces act as an extension of the social or private spaces of the apartments.

as an extension social or private spaces of the apartments.

Every apartment has at least 1 terrace depending on its typology.

exterior facade. On the contrary, in the interior facade there are patio areas and multipurpose spaces for the residents.

The ground floor accommodates commercial facilities along the exterior facade. On the contrary, in the interior facade there are patio areas and multipurpose spaces for the residents.

The ground floor features commercial spaces on the exterior and multipurpose areas for residents inside.

Levels 1, 3 & 5

Ground Floor

Levels 2 & 4

Rooftop

DESIGN PREMISES

The design is based on bays that define the size and organization of spaces, balancing solid volumes with emptiness. The building’s orientation and shape maximize natural lighting and privacy through terraces.

Each floor has 4 apartments, with staircases and elevators serving 2 apartments per nucleus. Levels 1, 3, and 5 feature typologies 2 and 3, while levels 2 and 4 have typologies 1 and 4. Terraces respect privacy and provide outdoor spaces for residents.

Architecture Portfolio | 2023

Typology 1, (Level 2 & 4)

• 1 room

Typology 1, (Level 2 & 4)

• 1 room

• 1 restroom

• 2 balconies

= 44.61 m2

Typology 2 (Level 1, 3 & 5)

• 2 rooms

• 1 restroom

• 1 balcony Typology

• 1 balcony

= 58.74 m2

Maira Medrano | Selected

Maira Medrano | Selected Works

Typology 3 (Level 1, 3 & 5)

• 3 rooms

Typology 3 (Level 1, 3 & 5)

• 3 rooms

• 2 restrooms

• 2 balconies

= 73.14 m2

• 2 balconies

= 73.14 m2

Typology 4 (Level 2 & 4)

• 4 rooms

• 3 restrooms

• 2 balconies

= 95.60 m2

INTEGRATION WITH THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

As part of the urban plan for Distrito Tec, the revitalization project for Av. del Estado aims to create accessible sidewalks to enhance the urban image of the area and increase opportunities for entrepreneurship and housing.

The design of the ground floor foster a sense of community and interaction through the use of public spaces and commercial facilities.

Constructive Detail

MATERIALITY AND BIOCLIMATIC STRATEGIES

The materiality includes apparent concrete along copper for railings, window frames and door frames.

Openings in the facade facilitate cross ventilation and enhance natural airflow. Balconies provide shade during summer and allow the entry of natural light during the winter season.

Longitudinal Section (A-A’)

BALCONY AND VIEW

The balconies on the main facade of the building offer a pleasant view of the urban context and serve a functional purpose by extending the social area of each apartment.

Alternatively, the balconies facing the interior patio of the complex are designed to provide a private and intimate space for residents to relax.

Maira Medrano

PROJECT INFO

Premio Alberto J. Pani

- Individual 3 day Arch. Charette

Representative Tecnológico de Monterrey campus Monterrey 8th semester

Location

Av. Insurgentes Sur 2410, Facultad de Arquitectura de la Universidad Autónoma de México

Total construction area: 1190m2

Year: September 2024

PABELLÓN UNIVERSITARIO CA.

BRIEFING FOR THE COMPETITION

“CA” means “to be” or “to exist” in Nahuatl, the language of the Teotihuacan culture. Walking through the University City (Ciudad Universitaria), the pre-Hispanic heritage is celebrated, respected, and promoted across various campus spaces through murals and sculptures.

CA University Pavilion seeks to preserve this heritage beyond campus boundaries. It serves as a haven for UNAM students, faculty, staff, neighbors, and workers. A space for reading, social activities, forums, and gardens that pay homage to natural elements central to Mexico City’s history.

At the node adjacent to the project site, The intersection of Av. Insurgentes Sur and Av. Copilco, hinders walkability and traffic flow in the area. The intervention involves widening the sidewalk on the right side of Av. Insurgentes, repurposing the corner for commercial stands and seating for pedestrians to rest.

The project’s layout connects the Metrobus station to Rufino Tamayo Plaza and Paseo del Río and leading to the pavilion. A modern reinterpretation of Teotihuacan pyramids, with gardens symbolizing the Calzada de los Muertos and a tribute to the now-piped Magdalena River.

GROUND FLOOR

Using 5x6 m modules, the architectural plan and volume were configured. The ground floor includes a bookstore, a café with seating for 70, and restroom facilities.

UPPER FLOOR

The pyramid was inverted so the housing a multipurpose forum for can be enjoyed by passing pedestrians.

the top level is seen directly from the street, for live music, conferences, and events that pedestrians.

ROOFTOP

The final design and configuration of the project spans 742.5 m² of footprint and 1,190 m² of construction.

STRUCTURE

The project uses glass and corten steel materials, referencing the Pedregal de San Ángel, whose volcanic rock lies at the site’s edge. The reddish hue recalls the lava that once flowed through this area.

Its orientation toward the left corner of the lot invites passersby to take this shortcut and discover a space fostering cultural activities.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

The stepped design maximizes terraces and outdoor spaces while maintaining a pedestrian-friendly height. Surrounded by gardens with native vegetation and natural stone, it aims to welcome passersby and encourage reflection on our culture and its preservation.

1 | Elevación Oeste

| Elevación Sur

3 | Elevación Norte

Maira

PROJECT INFO

GILSA Design Awards 2022

GILSA S.A. Competition, 5th semester

Location

San Pedro, Monterrey, México

In collaboration with: Daniela Salomé, Alexa Palagot, Paola Nava & Carolina Pérez

Area: 7.86 m2

Year: 2022-2023

GILSA DESIGN AWARDS TEC

GILSA COMPANY AND DESIGN AWARDS

Gilsa is a business that specializes in the distribution and sale of floors and tiles, founded in Monterrey, México in 1982.

To promote the creation of architectural spaces and showcase the store’s latest products, the first edition of the GILSA Design Awards was held in 2016.

Prestigious universities from across the country participate in designing restrooms that will be later exhibited at one of the stores & evaluated by a jury of renowned architects from the city.

COMPETITION CHALLENGE

At the beginning of the design stages, we were informed that the client’s profile was a couple between 25 and 35 years old who desired a restroom inspired by the avant-garde style.

This style is characterized by blending simplicity with modernity, stemming from the exploration of diverse spatial arrangements and solution.

The design is centered around a central element that distributes the space and accomodates fixtures and installations.

FRONTAL ELEVATION

RIGHT ELEVATION

INSPIRATION

The composition is centered around an L-shaped wall that divides the spaces for toilet usage, washing and showering.

The L-shaped countertop serves multiple functions. Adaptable to the user’s needs while maintaining its unity as a single piece.

MULTIPURPOSE ELEMENT

The countertop captures the user’s attention as soon as they enter the showroom. As they proceed into the shower area, the countertop seamlessly transforms into a bench, serving a completely different purpose.

This distribution provides enhanced privacy in the toilet area, allowing users to carry out their necesssities in a comfortable and elegant space and ensuring a discreet experience 1

PROJECT INFO

Proposal for University Workshop Renovations

On Campus Intern, 8th semester

Location

Teconológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, México

In collaboration with:

ARQ. Jorge SalinasDirector of the Architecture Department, Northern Region

ARQ. Juan Carlos López, Architecture Program Director Year: 2024

ARCHITECTURAL AND URBAN DESIGN WORKSHOP RENOVATIONS

INTERVENTION

As part of my work at the Architecture Department during my last semester of university, and in collaboration with professors and directors, we developed a proposal for renovations to the Architecture and Urbanism Workshops.

To better visualize the interventions, these spaces were modeled in 3D, and proposals were made for exhibition areas, new furniture arrangements, adding windows and shelves for models in classrooms.

PROJECT INFO

Mixed-Use Building

Residential Units

Academic Project, 8th semester

Location

Dominio Cumbres, Cumbres-García

Nuevo León, México

In collaboration with:

Victoria Esquivel, Elena Funes, Luis Hurtado, Ernesto Viveros

Total construction area: 261.67 m2

Year: 2024

RELIEVE

DISCOVERING VIEW AND SPACE AT EVERY STEP

The property is located along Ruiz Cortinez Avenue in Cumbres García, Nuevo León. It Situated in a developing area within the Cumbres domain, offering key access points to various parts of the city and surrounding areas, including Saltillo and García.

Potential for uninterrupted views due to the project’s low scale and central courtyard.

The goal is to preserve and recover the memory of ancient Mexico through central courtyards, fostering community interaction among residents.

Creating friendly cities with gathering spaces, designed to be welcoming for families with children and pets. Main users are nuclear households, as well as single-person households or co-living spaces for professionals.

Diagrams: Soft Cities, David Sim

HEART OF THE PROJECT

Stepped volume with a commercial front strip, followed by semi-private amenity areas and residential units in the most private section.

Three typologies, 85 apartments, all surrounding the heart of the project with views toward Cerro de las Mitras or Cerro del Topochico. Seven residential levels at the highest point to the north and four at the lowest point.

Three levels with amenities, 14 commercial spaces over two levels, two levels of underground parking, one recreational area at the rear, one central courtyard, and one common area.

ARRANGEMENT OF TYPOLOGIES

15 residences on levels with maximum capacity (N1 and N2), featuring the three typologies. Amenities on N2 include a gym, covered social area, coworking space, and a terrace with views of the courtyard and natural elements.

The terrace created by the stepped design is added to the base price of the adjacent apartment, resulting in 10 private terraces.

Typology 1

Typology 2

Typology 3

Commerce

Amenities

TYPOLOGY A | 54 m2 | $3,402,000 MDP

• 1 Room + 1 flex

• Living Room

• Kitchen

• Dining Room

• 1 Bathroom

• Laundry area

• 1 Deck

• 1 Parking space

16 units = 19%

TYPOLOGY B | 85 m2 | $5,005,800 MDP

• 2 Rooms + 1 flex

• Living Room

• Kitchen

• Dining Room

• 2 Bathrooms

• Laundry area

• 1 Deck

• 2 Parking spaces

41 units = 48%

TYPOLOGY C | 100 m2 | $6,000,000 MDP

• 3 Rooms

• Living Room

• Kitchen

• Dining Room

• 3 Bathrooms

• Laundry area

• 2 Decks

• 2 Parking spaces

41 units = 48%

INTERIOR VIEWS

Interesting views from social areas, with interior spaces that welcome and surprise residents and guests.

Good natural lighting and ventilation invite social interaction through thoughtful design.

Maira Medrano

PROJECT INFO

Single Unit House Academic Project, 5th semester

Location Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, México

In collaboration with: Sofia Santiago

Area: 35 m2

Year: 2022

CASA WABI FOR ARTISTS

CASA WABI FOUNDATION

The non-profit civil association aims to promote social development through artistic activities in communities in Tokyo, Mexico City & Puerto Escondido.

The residence program is designed for both national and international artists and aims to facilitate an active exchange between the artists and the communities in the proximity to Casa Wabi.

NEED FOR COLLECTIVE HOUSING

The project aimed to create additional temporary residences for emerging artists at the headquarters of Casa Wabi in Puerto Escondido.

The use of vernacular materials from the Oaxaca coast and the incorporation of bioclimatic strategies was a key consideration to provide a comfortable and sustainable living environment.

SITE PLAN

GROUND FLOOR

The design incorporates the use of wooden louvers and folding doors, providing flexibility to the living spaces. These elements allow for cross ventilation, enhancing airflow within the spaces, and also redirect natural light,

Right Above

The residence features brick barrel vaults in beige tones, chosen to blend with the color of the sand. The interior walls and slab are constructed using concrete providing stability to the structure

UPPER FLOOR

The private space is designed to be distinct from the social area and is located on a separate floor. It features a small workspace and folding doors that open up to a balcony.

Right Below

Custom-made wooden frames are incorporated into the design to provide privacy while still allowing residents to appreciate the surrouding landscape.

Ample space provided for artists to create, relax and engage.

LEFT ELEVATION

FRONTAL ELEVATION

RIGHT ELEVETATION

REAR ELEVETATION

Maira Medrano

Phone: +52 811 656 8546

Email: maira.s.medrano@gmail.com

LinkedIn: maira-medrano-moya

Issuu: MairaMedrano

MAIRA MEDRANO