United States Consulate General, Nogales, Mexico

United States Consulate General, Nogales, Mexico

Located just on the other side of the Arizona border, the U.S. Consulate General, Nogales, Mexico acts as the main entry point from Sonora into the United States. Set high on a hill with limited frontage, the design for the new compound turns the site’s challenging topography into an advantage: in this location it both offers impressive mountain views for visitors and provides a prominent example of America’s diplomatic presence for those who see it from afar.

The site’s landscape is designed to be of the place. The region’s materials are rich in color and its native plants are both drought tolerant and strikingly sculptural. Shrubs and wildflowers provide nectar and habitat to migrating butterflies and hummingbirds. Slopes of planted Mexican oak, pine, mesquite, and junipers, along with a grassy understory, provide habitat and nesting opportunities for migrating birds. Through the reintroduction of native habitat, including Nogales’ namesake walnut tree, the consulate compound is sustainable, resilient, and elegant.

DETAILS

Location: Nogales, Mexico
Size: 8.4 acres
Client: U.S. Department of State

PROJECT TEAM

Ennead Architects, Architect GGN, Landscape Architect RECON Environmental, local planting consultant

SERVICES PROVIDED

Conceptual Design - Bridging Documents