Primero de Mayo

Primero de Mayo is a mixed-use multifamily residential development conceived for a site in central Toluca. The proposal originated from an invited competition organized by Grupo Marhnos, with the objective of maximizing the site’s development potential while bringing housing, retail, resident amenities, and outdoor spaces together within a unified architectural proposal.

The configuration of the property presented the project’s main challenge. Its street frontage represents only 20% of the site’s total perimeter, requiring most of the program to be developed within the interior of the lot. This condition called for a strategy capable of increasing residential capacity without compromising access to natural light and ventilation.

The proposal is organized through a modular system and a sequence of internal courtyards. These spaces bring daylight and natural ventilation into the apartments, structure circulation, and create separation between the different building volumes. In addition to supporting the project’s environmental performance, the courtyards introduce open spaces that improve the overall residential experience.

The housing program is complemented by retail spaces, resident amenities, and both private and communal outdoor areas. The shared spaces were conceived as settings for rest, social interaction, and recreation, extending everyday activities beyond the interior of each home.

The modular approach supports the efficient use of the property, rationalizes the organization of the residential units, and establishes a common order for the different components of the development. This strategy gives the project a cohesive architectural identity while allowing complementary uses to be incorporated without diminishing its predominantly residential character.

AKURAT was responsible for the architectural authorship. The proposal evolved from its initial conceptual definition through the development of the construction documentation, resulting in a 33,310-square-meter project that addressed the objectives established by the client.