Re-itera – Modular Housing for Urban Regeneration in Querétaro

Archit Sethi
Aug 4
2 min read

Type: Urban Housing / Regenerative Architecture
Project Title: Re-itera
Location: Querétaro, Mexico

A flexible housing strategy that reuses underutilized lots in Querétaro’s Historic Center, offering an adaptive, sustainable, and context-sensitive urban solution.

Project Description

Re-itera is an urban regeneration project that leverages abandoned lots in the Historic Center of Querétaro to propose a modular, affordable collective housing typology. The design addresses both the physical deterioration and social fragmentation of the area, introducing a solution grounded in contextual sensitivity and adaptability.

Each module is designed in response to the unique conditions of the site—its heritage constraints, irregular geometries, and infrastructure limitations. Two unit types are proposed:

Type A: 3 meters wide, 40 m²
Type B: 4.5 meters wide, 60 m²Both share a depth of 14 meters and accommodate five dwellings per module, with communal spaces on the rooftop and semi-basement.

To meet the strict 7.5-meter height restriction, a system of staggered half-levels ensures vertical compactness. Kitchens and bathrooms are centralized to optimize plumbing and services. A longitudinal central void guarantees natural light and cross-ventilation in every unit.

The structure uses a rigid reinforced concrete frame system. Floors are built with joist-and-precast concrete vaults, which reduce construction time and cost while expressing material honesty—aligning with the project’s sustainability values.

A built prototype at Felipe Luna Norte #22 demonstrates the strategy's effectiveness: seven housing modules with 35 dwellings now exist on a site that previously held only four. Historic facades are preserved, and shared spaces—such as dual-use parking and recreation zones—help promote a sense of community.

Rather than imposing a new urban model, re-itera strengthens the existing fabric through replicable, site-specific design, encouraging responsible densification while preserving architectural and cultural heritage.