Mexico City-based architecture studio JSa has successfully converted a mid-century industrial building into their new office space, creating what they call a "manifesto in regenerative design." The project, led by architect Javier Sánchez, transforms the historic Ice Factory building while preserving its industrial character and implementing cutting-edge sustainability features. The renovation has been shortlisted for the workplace project (small) category of Dezeen Awards 2025.
The Ice Factory building has a rich industrial history dating back to 1954, when it was constructed as part of the Cervecería Central beer factory complex. The structure remained operational until the mid-1990s, surviving the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake that led to the demolition of most of the original factory complex. In 2023, JSa undertook the challenge of converting this 1,023-square-meter (11,011-square-foot) historic structure into a modern architectural studio while honoring its industrial heritage.
The design philosophy behind the project emphasizes preservation and regeneration rather than complete transformation. "Facing the historical heritage of the factory meant more than passively inheriting it; moreover, implying its assumption as an opportunity to conceive an architecture that combines creativity with rigor, and poetry with ethics," the studio explained. The architects made a conscious decision to maintain the building's industrial character, stating, "It was important to keep the honest sobriety of the original structure. For us, the factory had to remain a factory."
The renovation carefully preserves original industrial elements throughout the space, transforming steel pillars, pipes, catwalks, metal curtains, and stairs into sculptural backgrounds. The design retains characteristic features such as the wedge-shaped puncture in the north wall, original exterior tilework, and rough concrete surfaces. The material palette resulted from what the studio describes as "an instinctive process where we evaluated what could be preserved, resolving what had to be restored, and finding the potential for appended reforms."
The building's new layout divides the space into two distinct zones that serve different functions. The ground floor features light, open collaboration spaces accessed through a planted courtyard, creating an inviting environment for team interaction and creative work. The upper level consists of a heavier concrete mass that houses private spaces designed for focused individual work, including a conversation pit that encourages intimate discussions and planning sessions.
Sustainability and regenerative design principles form the core of the project's innovation. The studio integrated a comprehensive water management system inspired by closed-loop systems found in mountainous forest homes. This system harvests and treats rainwater on-site, completely eliminating the building's dependence on city water infrastructure. "We wanted to prove that a self-sufficient water cycle wasn't just a rural ideal, but a viable, functional reality for an urban workplace," the architects stated.
The project extends beyond water management to include multiple sustainable technologies and design strategies. Solar power generation, on-site water treatment, and extensive vegetation work together to create what the studio describes as "a symbiotic reciprocity between the building, its new landscape and their users." The integrated landscape design and architecture maximize natural daylight and ventilation through strategically placed sliding windows and skylights, eliminating the need for mechanical HVAC systems.
Architectural additions to the original structure include a porticoed pavilion on the south side of the main building and an open-air terrace added to the roof. These new elements complement the existing structure while providing additional functional spaces for the studio's operations. The design maintains the building's relationship with the surrounding Atlampa neighborhood, preserving the memory and character of the original industrial complex.
The comprehensive approach to regenerative design has transformed the site from an abandoned industrial space into what the architects describe as "an alluring sanctuary of pause." The harmony between the architectural project, water systems, landscaped gardens, and solar array creates an environment that invites contemplation while actively engaging users with the design elements. "One that invites us to contemplate ourselves within and as part of the space, while actively involving us with the elements of its design," the studio noted.
The project represents JSa's broader commitment to sustainable architecture and regenerative design principles. The studio has previously collaborated on various projects that emphasize environmental responsibility, including work with Mtav on a curving apartment complex in Mexico City and a partnership with Robert Hutchison Architecture on an extensive rainwater harvesting system for a house in Temascaltepec. This Ice Factory conversion serves as a practical demonstration of how historic industrial buildings can be adapted for contemporary use while implementing advanced sustainability measures.
