The old bacon factory, restoration and vitalization
The city of Puebla, founded in 1531, was designed to be “inhabited by the Spaniards” and the establishment
of bacon factories was indispensable for its economic development. This building was used to produce and preserve bacon at low temperatures where two structural stages of
the building are appreciated: two large vaults that correspond to the “factory” section of the building and
the private house; a second level, an oven to process soap and a barn over the vaults.
Prior to the restoration an examination was carried out of the spatial and masonry structure. Up to 80% of the beams had collapsed because of deterioration caused by changes in its use and earthquakes, however,
the greatest damage was due to neglect and lack of maintenance over time.
To preserve the historical part of the building, some aggregates were removed, thus achieving the recovery
of the space.
The challenge was to restore the integrity of the building, specifically the vaults and soap processing area,
which dates back to the 18th century.
During eleven years 1,200 m2
of beam slab and 300 m2
of vaults were restored, all financed by private
investment.
