Santander Work Lab Terrace

Santander Work Lab Terrace is located in Santa Fe, Mexico City, on the rooftop of the Work Lab Santander offices—an experimental and comprehensive project fully designed by the studio, aiming to challenge conventional paradigms of corporate banking spaces.



This space reclaims and redefines the building’s rooftop, setting a new standard in both functionality and aesthetics. Previously occupied by electrical and air-conditioning equipment, the roof has been meticulously transformed to house a variety of sports and recreational facilities.



At its heart lies a soccer field, accompanied by two tennis courts, designed to encourage friendly competition and active exercise among the corporate team.



Leisure areas extend throughout the rooftop, offering outdoor meeting spots equipped with grills and communal tables. These spaces not only complement the athletic program but also foster social interaction, strengthening connections and cultivating a collaborative, friendly work environment.



Conceived as a sanctuary for sports and recreation, the project stands out for its contemporary design and innovative material use, redefining design standards for this typology. A key example is the incorporation of Irving grating—commonly used in industrial settings for bridges, platforms, drains, and water channels—here reimagined as shading structures for the sports areas.



These lightweight industrial-style covers provide shade and bursts of color, while creating a welcoming, dynamic atmosphere that encourages activity. The vibrant yellow steelwork serves not only as a distinctive visual element but also as an energizing, optimistic gesture, perfect for motivating the corporate team during their athletic and recreational activities.



The industrial character of these lightweight structures is balanced by natural elements such as oak wood and gravel, as well as lush vegetation. This green intervention plays a crucial role in the rooftop design, beautifying the environment, enhancing air quality, and creating a natural counterpoint to the urban setting.



Terraza Santander is a testament to the bank’s dedication to holistic wellness: by merging contemporary architecture with world-class sports facilities and recreational areas, it sets a new benchmark for work environments that encourage physical activity, social interaction, and a healthy work-life balance.