Heritage dovetails here-and-now

Designed by Luis Carlos Aguilar

From the renovating architect:

Cohaus is a co-working space located in the historic heart of Querétaro in central Mexico. 

The project harmoniously combines the rich heritage of the place with contemporary design elements, creating a unique and inspiring work environment. 

Our work focussed on the remodelling of the original house, preserving its historic charm while adapting the space to create a modern and functional co-working centre.

The land, formerly used as stables, retains its distinctive elongated and slender geometry. 

The original house was built around 1920, giving it a historic charm and character. 

The original owner had been a civil engineer, and their influence can be seen in the contemporary structural systems present in the house, such as beam and joist slab, columns, and concrete enclosures. 

Additionally, the unusual height of the house and its intermediate floor height add a curious touch for the time, resulting in a two-level house with an additional level for service on the rooftop.

The original floors and stairs are made of pasta and terrazzo, manufactured by the owners' Pasta Tile Flooring Factory, one of the most important in the central area of Mexico. 

The original window ironwork is still intact and its design remains interesting and relevant today.

A thorough analysis of the house's good/suitable physical condition and the possibility of only having to create a couple of new bathrooms generated the enthusiasm to explore the viability of adapting the space as an office and co-working centre. 

Natural light, ventilation, orientation, and the possibility of accessing the roof, along with the 20x20 modulation in the architectural plans, greatly facilitated the adaptation of the programme's needs.

During the project execution, we employed the BIM (Building Information Modelling) methodology to plan and co-ordinate every aspect of the remodelling. 

This tool allowed us to visualise the project comprehensively and optimise construction efficiency. 

Thanks to BIM modelling, we were able to preserve the original structure of the house while efficiently incorporating the new networks of electrical, plumbing, and data pipes.

From the beginning, the aim was to preserve the timeless essence of the original style, even if it wasn't clearly defined. 

The design approach sought to capture the spirit of the era without attempting to imitate the past.

As the only co-working space in the historic centre of Querétaro's downtown area, Cohaus plays a fundamental role in the revitalisation of this iconic neighbourhood. 

Local professionals and entrepreneurs now have an inspiring place to work, collaborate, and develop their projects amidst the city's historic charm.

Since its inception, the walls of the house have served as a canvas to showcase diverse art collections, and its current vocation has allowed it to remain an ideal space for private galleries, as each room has its own personality thanks to the different pasta tile floors present since its construction.

Cohaus is a testament to the harmonious integration of historical significance and contemporary functionality, offering an ideal space for workspaces, private galleries, and artistic projects, while providing a collaborative work environment for modern professionals.

Story by: Trendsideas