VERTEBRAL Architecture and Landscape Design Studio

VERTEBRAL is a multidisciplinary architecture and landscape design studio established in 2016 by Elias Kalach and Teddy Nanes in Mexico City. The firm’s core philosophy is centered on architecture that adapts to and respects the natural environment, rather than imposing a predetermined aesthetic. By prioritizing research and site observation, VERTEBRAL creates spaces where the boundary between built structure and landscape is blurred. They frequently utilize primary materials like concrete, steel, stone, and wood to construct enduring buildings that age gracefully with their surroundings. Notable works include Casa Ohana in Puerto Escondido, which sits harmoniously within a low jungle setting, and El Terreno, a community garden and pavilion project. Their portfolio spans from residential buildings like Casa Erasto and Chiapas 168 to commercial spaces like Sukai and % Arabica, as well as cultural venues like the ÑÚ gallery. VERTEBRAL treats vegetation as a structural element—bushes, grasses, and trees are as fundamental to their design as walls and slabs. This commitment to environmental integration has earned them international recognition and multiple awards, positioning the studio as a leading voice in contemporary Mexican architecture. Their approach explores the intersection of materiality, site-specific circumstances, and ecological preservation by allowing the natural forest and terrain to dictate the flow of the architecture.