HOUSTON, TX | 141,959 SF

The relocation of the Mexican Consulate building in Houston to its new home located at 10555 Richmond Avenue includes a complete renovation of the existing site. GSC Architects is leading the design improvements for the 49,000 square foot, four-story building, which includes interior and exterior upgrades. The exterior enhancements consist of public and private entrances, 50 designated parking spaces for employees, exterior signage with LED lighting, an outdoor playground, new landscaping, and an outdoor courtyard waiting area. Interior improvements and complete layout and finish reselections include: a new focal staircase connecting the 1st and 2nd floors, advanced security measures, a training room, gallery area, library, and a plethora of private offices.

Inspired by Luis Barragan, the interior design is a colorful celebration of volumetric geometry. Sunset hues, wood millwork, and geometric shapes playfully define spaces and guide guests through four snowy white floors. Besides serving the community, the interior design has museum-quality intent; predominant white walls and countertops will showcase a rich Mexican artwork collection.  The fourth-floor gallery will house a permanent collection of historical documents and artifacts. Simultaneously, showcases of vibrant hanging and freestanding art will rotate through the third-floor gallery, providing visitors with a fresh experience.  Special consideration for acoustics in private and public spaces is also of high priority due to the nature of the building and its services.

In GSC sustainable fashion, our team made great use of the building’s existing materials.  Existing concrete floors were ground down and polished to a high shine, and the design team incorporated existing precast panels into the new vestibule.   The Mexican Consulate in Houston is striving for LEED v4 Silver rating in addition to the interior and exterior upgrades. Regardless of the final LEED rating level achieved, LEED certification means an overall healthier environment for humans and nature; it promotes productive live, learn, work, and play spaces by encouraging energy and resource-efficiency in buildings.

CLIENT The Mexican Consulate SERVICES PROVIDED Programming, Interior Design, Renderings, Construction Administration, FF&E, Permitting RENDERINGS GSC Architects