Estudio Ala Reimagines Industrial Spaces With a Thoughtful Mezcal Distillery Design

Summary

• Estudio ALA designed a Mezcal Distillery in Michoacán, blending local culture with modern architecture
• The design embraces vernacular wooden construction, while preserving heritage through traditional agave roasting, fermentation and distillation methods

Situated in Michoacán, Mexico, Estudio ALA’s Mezcal Distillery seamlessly blends local tradition with contemporary architecture. Designed to avoid the monumentality of industrial structures, the facility embraces a thoughtful balance between craftsmanship and modern innovation, thus creating a space that honors artisanal mezcal production while maintaining a human scale.

The distillery’s structure features cross-laminated timber beams and ceramic bricks, forming a linear layout that integrates production areas, worker dining spaces and recreational zones. Its design prioritizes sustainability, incorporating a bio-pond and botanical garden to support local flora and fauna. A water reservoir on the north side helps create a microclimate, enhancing natural ventilation and cooling, reducing dependence on mechanical systems. The facility also repurposes rainwater and treated water from mezcal production for irrigation, reinforcing its eco-conscious approach.

Architecturally, the distillery embraces a vernacular wooden construction. Its exposed structural timber offers a tangible and authentic connection to the region’s rich heritage. While the physical structure is modern, the mezcal production process remains deeply rooted in tradition: agave hearts are roasted in underground pit ovens, fermented in vats carved directly into the floor and distilled using traditional wooden or clay stills. This expansion reflects Estudio ALA’s unwavering commitment to preserving cultural identity while simultaneously advancing the principles of sustainable industrial design.