BBVA Bancomer Tower

The BBVA Bancomer Tower, was developed by the joint venture of the prestigious Mexican firm Legorreta + Legorreta and the English firm (whose founder won the Pritzker Prize) Rogers Stirk Harbor & Partners. The joint venture of these architecture giants is known as LegoRogers. The achievement of this old friendship between Ricardo Legorreta and Richard Rogers was to synthesize modernity with tradition. Same philosophy / different languages… following the international joint venture (BBVA) with the national expertise (Bancomer) much of the project continued with that philosophy. The implementation of international standards and experience, "tropicalized" with a national counterpart. In our case we were able to do the same, thanks to our experience and offices located both in England and Mexico. The bioclimatic strategy of the building seeks to protect from the sun, to generate an environment free of glare, to maintain the privileged views of its premium location and to achieve an internal environment full of daylight. The lattice dresses the façade as a “veil” which lets you appreciate the exposed structure of the building. The envelope of building is composed of highly efficient double glazing. The double façade combination protects up to 83% of solar radiation, while maintaining the views of the Chapultepec Park, Reforma Avenue and Mexico City Center. In addition, this intelligent combination allows controlled daylight to pass through, avoiding the use of internal blinds.

The Mexican and Arab Architectures are a source inspiration for Victor and Ricardo Legorreta Architects which tried to apply this principle to the double facade. The lattice is an element that responds to each orientation and goes from lower density in the north to the higher density in the the west. The overshadowing assessment results showed that given the orientation of the building, the west façade would have greatest solar intensity during winter months, when the sun is perpendicular to this façade. The combination of double façade design elements together with a highly efficient ventilation and cooling system, achieved an energy saving of more than 50% compared to a similar building.

More than 75% Potable Water savings have been achieved thanks to a comprehensive strategy which includes, water saving devices, rainwater treatment, gray and black water reuse. All gardens, wcs, urinals use treated water.

Other elements which give added value, lower environmental impact, comfort and improve user’s health and wellbeing are:

• The envelope is thermally insulated up to 20% better than the minimum standards required by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers).
• Use of sustainable and certified FSC® wood. Wood coming from forests that are managed responsibly.
• Air renewal or fresh air intake 30% higher than the minimum required by ASHRAE 62.1: 2007.
• Located near the Metro Chapultepec and Paseo de la Reforma. It is sought that up to 60% of the building users, use public transport.
• Parking for 234 bicycles, in addition to showers, lockers and dressing rooms for employees of the Tower.
• The building has five terraces inspired by the Gardens of Chapultepec that have equipment and areas dedicated to rest and recreation. This creates an interconnection between the different bank departments and a new way of working, where instead of saturating office areas, it favors the well-being, health and creativity of its users.

The BBVA Bancomer Tower has been certificated LEED Platinium.