Arquiplan / Hinojosa, Colorado y Asociados

Valle Alto Ecological High School

Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert

VALLE ALTO ECOLOGICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Bernardo Hinojosa

ARCHITECTS
Bernardo Hinojosa: Bernardo Hinojosa Rodríguez, María Aurora Delgado González, Alejandro Ibarra Aragón

YEAR
2010

LOCATION
Monterrey, Mexico

CATEGORY
High School

Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert
Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert

Ecological High School of the University of Monterrey Valle Alto Unit was conceived taking advantage of the beauty of the site.

Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert
Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert

As a place where education is imparted with a hallmark: to instill in students a deep awareness of the importance of ecology. The University requested that the buildings reflect that spirit.

The main design intention was to locate the buildings so that not a single tree had to be relocated or cut down.

Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert
Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert
Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert

For this purpose, we conducted a survey and detailed record of all existing trees on the property, most of them over 70 years old.

In Valle Alto Ecological High School, the relationship between ecological aesthetics and function is conciliatory.

The stone that covers most of the walls is characteristic of the site, the playgrounds, gardens and outdoor spaces are designed around existing trees, and the profiles of the buildings respect the original natural configuration of the land at all times.

Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert
Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert
Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert

The main body is configured via a narrow strip on the north side of the site, which contains classrooms and laboratories. 

The window layout is planned in a way that takes full advantage of natural light, with views towards vegetation.

Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert
Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert

With regard to ventilation, the building was oriented seeking a natural air flow, greatly reducing the need for artificial cooling.

At Ecological High School, the dense forest was preserved, and buildings that arise from the ground, more as guests than as intruders.

Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert
Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert

Harmoniously incorporated high-tech facilities suitable for the development of educational activities with an emphasis on the ecological spirit for which they were conceived.


Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert
Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert
Valle Alto Ecological High School
© Francisco Lubbert


Valle Alto Ecological High School
Classroom and Laboratory Building
Valle Alto Ecological High School
First Level Plan, Classrooms
Valle Alto Ecological High School
Basement Library
Valle Alto Ecological High School
Site Plan


Valle Alto Ecological High School
Library Building Elevations
Valle Alto Ecological High School
Classroom and Laboratory Building Elevations

Arquiplan / Hinojosa, Colorado y Asociados
T +52 81 83351488
Arquiplan / Hinojosa, Colorado y Asociados
Boulevard Gustavo Diaz Ordaz #3057 Suite 33 y 34 5to. Piso, Santa María, 64650 Monterrey, N.L., Mexico