Local architectural studio 51-1 Arquitectos has completed an innovative vertical convent made of distinctive pink-colored concrete and grey brick screens on an urban site in Lima, Peru. The project, called Religiosas de Maria Inmaculada, represents a contemporary interpretation of an ancient building type, housing both residential quarters for the Sisters of Mary Immaculate Congregation and facilities for the Young Women Shelter Home Productive Technical Center.
The ambitious 6,226-square-meter (67,000-square-foot) project was constructed on a compact quarter-acre plot in Lima's urban landscape. According to the studio, the design philosophy centered on creating community engagement through architecture. "Creating a building with an open street level could be a good opportunity for the Sisters of Mary Immaculate to show their generous spirit and leadership as an alternative development of creating public spaces in private land," the architects explained.
The building's striking exterior features a distinctive two-tone design approach. The bottom two levels, accessible from street level, are characterized by pink concrete with vertical board markings that create a textured surface. At the corner of the building, which tips outward over an angled reflecting pool, a cross has been carved into the facade, serving as both architectural detail and religious symbol. The design creates a bold visual statement while maintaining the building's sacred purpose.
The ground floor programming emphasizes community outreach and education. Double-height parabolic arches open the facade to accommodate diverse public programming, including workshop spaces dedicated to sewing, baking, hairdressing, and computational design courses. This approach allows the religious community to engage directly with the broader Lima population through practical education and skill development programs.
The building's vertical organization carefully separates public, semi-private, and private functions. The third level, which is slightly recessed and clad in dark materials, serves as a transitional space containing refectories and a private courtyard specifically designed for the nuns. The upper levels are strategically divided between sleeping quarters for the women's shelter residents and residential areas for the sisters themselves.
A key architectural feature is the brick lattice system that encloses the residential levels. This screening system incorporates both circular and cross patterns that allow natural light to enter the sleeping quarters while providing privacy and protection for residents. The brise soleil design also facilitates natural ventilation throughout the rooms and corridors, eliminating the need for air conditioning in Lima's mild climate.
The building incorporates sustainable design elements throughout. A large rectangular atrium cuts through the center of the structure, allowing natural light and air circulation to reach all levels. Above the second-floor railing, planters enable vines to cascade down the pink interior walls of the atrium, creating a living architectural element that softens the concrete surfaces.
The rooftop level maximizes the limited urban space with multiple functional areas. The top of the building features terraces, laundries, an orchard, and recreation spaces specifically designed for residents' use. These amenities provide outdoor space and community gathering areas that would otherwise be unavailable in the dense urban setting.
Due to the building's charitable mission, economic considerations played a crucial role in design decisions. "Due to the charitable nature of the institution, every effort has been made to minimize service and maintenance costs and consider the most durable materials available," the studio stated. This approach ensures the building's long-term sustainability and operational efficiency.
51-1 Arquitectos, named after Lima's telephone dialing code, was founded in 2005 by partners Cesar Becerra, Fernando Puente Arnao, and Manuel de Rivero. The firm has established a reputation for innovative institutional architecture in Peru and internationally. Their previous notable projects include a nearby culinary school for the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and the conversion of an ice factory into an arts venue in the United Arab Emirates.
The project team included design architects César Becerra, Manuel de Rivero, and Fernando Puente Arnao, working alongside Milagros Ingunza, Cristian Zúñiga, and Karina Leon. Construction was handled by I.M. Henderson, with specialized consulting provided by Marco Torres and Pablo Bastos for structural engineering and Claudia Paz for lighting design. The client, Hermanas de Maria Inmaculada, collaborated closely throughout the design and construction process to ensure the building met both their religious and community service missions.
