Mexican architecture practice Di Frenna Arquitectos presents the facilities of its new headquarters, located in Colima, the capital of the Mexican state of the same name, west of Mexico City, near the central Pacific coast, in a valley south of the Colima volcano. The name comes from the Nahuatl Acolman, meaning “place where the river bends.”

The workshop consists of a two-story building with a walkable roof, formed by a set of volumes on a rectangular plot located on a corner, with its two façades facing the streets, and the access situated through a small garden in front of the smaller façade.

Taller Di Frenna Arquitectos is organized around a series of interior courtyards that open onto the different rooms of the studio, fostering a direct dialogue with nature, water, air, and sunlight, which mark the natural rhythm of the days. The program includes spaces such as the model workshop, audiovisual areas, meeting rooms, and a work area (completely open to the largest courtyard)—a set of functional spaces characteristic of an architecture studio.

The territory defines the building’s identity: its clear and defined forms, its color (volumes of concrete and dark steel reminiscent of sculptural pieces by Chillida or Oteiza), its textures (exposed concrete shuttered with wooden boards), and its treatment of light all engage in dialogue with the nearby context, shaped by the river, the volcano, and the color of the earth. An image that the architects present as an inspiring foundation for their future projects and as a statement and vision for potential clients.

Architecture Workshop by Di Frenna Arquitectos. Photograph by Onnis Luque

Architecture Workshop by Di Frenna Arquitectos. Photograph by Onnis Luque.

Project description by Di Frenna Arquitectos

Between the verdant landscape and the contrast of its pure forms, a building with a strong presence and character rises in Colima.

The Taller Di Frenna Arquitectos building was conceived with the vision of providing spaces that inspire architects to create other projects. It comprises spaces such as a model-making workshop, audiovisual areas, meeting rooms, and a workspace, in addition to serving as a showcase of our work and vision as an architecture firm.

This building is the result of integrating the most representative elements of our architecture: clean and defined volumes, exposed and expressive materials, and textures that invite touch. We dared to experiment with different materials, both natural and industrial, such as steel, concrete, charred wood, and stone, among many other finishes that imbue it with a unique, personal, and artistic character, in keeping with the firm's style.

Architecture Workshop by Di Frenna Arquitectos. Photograph by Onnis Luque.

Interior courtyards were incorporated to achieve an architecture that coexists with nature, spaces that break the monotony with their interplay of levels, light, and shadow. All of this is intended to stimulate imagination and creativity, creating relaxing and inspiring environments.

All of this is meticulously executed by the talented hands of Colima's master builders and artisans.

Taller Di Frenna Arquitectos is a philosophical haven where every architectural detail is designed to enrich life and nourish the soul.

More information

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Architects
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Project team
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Arq. Matia Di Frenna Müller, Arq. J. Omar Anguiano de la Rosa, Arq. Mariana de la Mora Padilla.

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Client
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Area
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294.00 m².

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Dates
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Start date.- August 7, 2022.
End date.- January 16, 2025.

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Location
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Colinas de Santa Fé, Colima, Mexico.

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Photography
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Di Frenna Arquitectos is an architecture studio based in Colinas de Santa Fe, Mexico, founded by Matia Di Frenna Müller. It is a multidisciplinary architecture and design studio with the capacity to address the challenges faced by users and their needs both within and outside the urban environment.

Their works are linked to tradition, and they constantly experiment with materials and techniques, with the support of the good and creative Mexican craftsmanship they have. They understood architecture as a space-place, whose main purpose is to excite and at the same time fulfil the function for which it was designed. Functional spaces create their architecture, trying to match monumental and sculptural volumes with little maintenance, thereby creating a very sober, functional and clean architecture.
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Published on: November 4, 2025
Cite:
metalocus, ANTONIO GRAS
"Colimota Work Identity. Architecture Workshop by Di Frenna Arquitectos" METALOCUS. Accessed
<https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/colimota-work-identity-architecture-workshop-di-frenna-arquitectos> ISSN 1139-6415
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